Which term describes a reduction of weed population without complete elimination?

The term that accurately describes a reduction of weed population without complete elimination is suppression. Suppression refers to the efforts made to lower the number of weeds to a manageable level rather than completely removing them. This approach acknowledges that while some weeds may still exist, their impact on the desired plants or turf can be minimized, thereby allowing for healthier growth of the beneficial plants.

In contrast, eradication refers to the complete elimination of a weed species from a specific area, which is more intensive and often more difficult to achieve. Control implies a more general tactic that can sometimes include eradication but does not necessarily involve the complete removal of all weeds. Management encompasses a broader strategy that may include suppression, but does not specifically indicate that reduction is being sought without full elimination. Hence, suppression is the most fitting term in this context.