Anna S. Westbrook

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Anna S. Westbrook is a leading voice in the emerging field of agroecological weed management, where she bridges the gap between crop productivity and biodiversity conservation. Her research fundamentally reframes weeds not merely as pests, but as integral components of agroecosystems that can provide critical ecosystem services. In her highly cited 2023 paper (52 citations), Westbrook explores the concept of "neutral weed communities," demonstrating how farmers can maintain crop yields while preserving functional weed diversity—a paradigm shift from traditional eradication approaches. She is also at the forefront of agricultural robotics, having published the first peer-reviewed field study (2022, 11 citations) on the Tertill® weeding robot, quantifying its effects on weed abundance and species diversity. This work positions her as a key researcher in sustainable, low-disturbance weed control technologies. Westbrook’s contributions are particularly notable for their practical relevance: she provides actionable frameworks for growers seeking to reduce herbicide use and soil tillage while fostering resilient agroecosystems. Her research is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of sustainable agriculture, ecological engineering, and the reconciliation of food production with biodiversity.