Weed potential
Cockspur grass is considered one of the world's worst weeds (Randall, 2012). It is listed as a weed in 36 crops and is particularly nefarious in rice paddies (Holm et al., 1991). One single plant per m² in a rice field can reduce rice production by 25% (Deane, 2020). Cockspur is a vigorous competitor for nitrogen (removing up to 80% available N) that can considerably crop yields and cause forage crops failures. It is considered worldwide as an in natural grasslands, coastal forests and disturbed sites, and may act as a reservoir for virus diseases (Rojas-Sandoval et al., 2014). In rice paddies, flooding with more than 15 cm of water favours rice seedlings since cockspur seeds cannot germinate at this depth (Ecocrop, 2017).
Erosion control and soil reclamation
Cockspur is useful for erosion control and habitat rehabilitation. In Egypt, it is used for reclaiming saline area (Ecocrop, 2017). It has been refered to as suitable for alkaline areas (Quattrocchi, 2006). It could help controlling erosion on coal mine sites in eastern USA (Vogel, 1981).
Wildlife
Cockspur grass is an important habitat for waterfowl and pheasant (Quattrocchi, 2006). In the Arizona, cockspur grass could grow on riparian sites flooded by wastewater and provide habitat rehabilitation for birds and subsequent avian colonization (Rea, 1988).