Weeds are undesirable in gardens and fields due to fears of damage or disruption. However, the colorful diversity of native plants has positive effects. Many garden weeds, such as dandelions, stinging nettles, and ground elder, are edible and very important for insects.

Weeds fulfill essential ecosystem functions in agricultural fields. For example, they provide a diverse range of pollen and nectar for pollinators and a habitat for many specialized insect species. They can also promote the infiltration of rainwater and protect the soil from erosion. Weeds thus contribute to making agricultural ecosystems more stable and diverse.

Rather than eradicating them entirely, it's worth discovering their benefits – be it in the kitchen, as natural remedies, or in promoting biodiversity. So, why not take a fresh look at the weeds in your garden or on your fields today, on Weed Day?

A MonViA project is examining weed diversity on arable land and developing an indicator for its measurement. This will create a scientifically robust data basis on the current status and ongoing development of weed diversity in agricultural landscapes. The impact of changing agricultural practices and land-use and agricultural structural change will be mapped through long-term monitoring and contribute to evidence-based policy advice.