What can hinder mowing and contact herbicides from killing seedling grasses?

The protected growing point is critical in understanding how herbicides and mechanical methods like mowing affect seedling grasses. In young grasses, the growing point is often located just above the soil surface or at the base of the plant, making it less accessible to herbicides that are applied. Contact herbicides work by directly contacting the plant tissues; if the growing point is shielded by soil or existing leaves, it may not be effectively reached by the herbicide.

Furthermore, when mowing, if the blades are cut above the growing point, the plant can recover and continue growing, potentially decreasing the effectiveness of both mowing and herbicide treatment. The ability of seedling grasses to remain protected during initial growth stages is essential to their survival and also complicates management efforts to control them effectively.