Kudzu Control and Impact on Monetary Returns to Non-Industrial Private Forest Landowners in Mississippi

Kudzu—Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.)—was initially planted in the southern United States and subsequently spread throughout the countryside following changes in land use. Kudzu covers more than 2.8 million ha which prevents uses such as timber production and establishment of carbon plantations. Using data collected on sites in Mississippi, this study examines the after-tax monetary trade-offs of controlling kudzu using different herbicide regimes. The results suggest that the most cost-effective way to control kudzu patches is to apply Escort XP using an aerial applicator. This application is appropriate for both young and old kudzu patches and whether the landowner intends to afforest the site with pine or oak.