Section 5 Case studies - Weeds Australia

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Shelterbelts and strategic placement of rock barriers to protect cropped paddocks from serrated tussock invasion. Biodiversity: The local Landcare group helped Len and Geoff design plantations within the property that feature native trees and shrubs at various heights to alter wind patterns, and increase soil health and biodiversity. Len and Geoff do carefully spot spray small infestations of serrated tussock within these plantations using glyphosate with an added colouring dye to increase visibility. As these areas are isolated from the cropping/grazing areas, it does not affect organic certification. Mulching: To control serrated tussock caught by the rock breaks, Len and Geoff push linseed straw/stubble left after harvesting across the rocks to ‘smother’ emerging tussock seedlings. “You can push the stubble from your header onto the rocks with the help of stick rakes or wheel rakes.” Before the plantation buffer zones were established, the amount of tussock was significant, but over the course of several years, it became clear that the plantations worked well to stop the spread of seed. What has been the result? Len and Geoff believe that their short term goals have now been achieved. The pine plantations along the western side of the property have been particularly effective in catching seed heads from neighbouring properties. They have also found that linseed has proven particularly successful as an effective crop for cultivating out serrated tussock. Future plans The search for alternatives to conventional herbicide use to control serrated tussock is ongoing. Len and Geoff are considering options such as increasing the number of plantations, using organic products - pine oil or vinegar to control serrated tussock, using barley as a break crop to smother serrated tussock, and increasing soil fertility. Whatever management strategy they use, they will attempt to ensure that each technique simultaneously fulfil a number of functions, such as increasing biodiversity or by potentially providing further income for the farm through a carbon credit scheme should this become a reality for farmers in the future. “To think organic, you have to think differently.” Len Menzel Len Menzel Linseed mulch is used to smother serrated tussock around rocky outcrops and other difficult locations on the property. 94
<strong>Case</strong> Study 4 Tackling serrated tussock on steep intractable land Summary The strategic use of herbicides is a particularly useful strategy when controlling serrated tussock on steep intractable land. However, how and which herbicides are applied depends on the desired outcomes and on the level of off target damage the land manager decides to tolerate. This case study outlines the techniques and concerns of two categories of land managers. The first category are land managers concerned with maintaining native species biodiversity while attempting to control serrated tussock. The second category of land managers are those motivated to control serrated tussock to maintain the profitability of their land. The problem Serrated tussock is difficult enough to control on accessible land, but in steep, rocky or deeply rutted landscapes, the problem is even worse. Not only are these areas difficult to access, they usually have the naturally sparse grass cover associated with shallow soil or low fertility that make them susceptible to serrated tussock infestations. Failure to manage the weed on intractable land, however, compounds management issues on more accessible and arable lands because of reinfestation by seed blowing in from unmanaged areas. Some of the most spectacular and highly visited public reserves in <strong>Australia</strong> feature steep and difficult terrain. Staff from the Parks and Wildlife Group of the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) know only too well the problems of trying to manage serrated tussock in such landscapes. For them, there is an additional complication that they must control the tussock while at the same time ensuring they preserve native vegetation. These difficult areas are frequently inaccessible even to the 4WD and quad bike spray units DECC usually use. Steep and intractable land is also a feature of many privately held properties, such as the one owned by John Hyles from the ACT. He has a paddock bordering a 913 m escarpment with a 200 m variation in elevation. Several years ago, 65 ha in the escarpment paddock had a monoculture of serrated tussock, with 10 ha almost inaccessible country. Seed from serrated tussock in the inaccessible area continually reinfested John’s property. Unlike staff from DECC, John’s primary concern is to run a Key messages • Both vegetation type and terrain dictate which serrated tussock control techniques are most appropriate. • Regardless of method of application, accuracy of herbicide application and application rate are vital. This is especially the case when using aerial spraying. • Regardless of techniques used for control, it is important to ensure that areas cleared of serrated tussock are revegetated. • Aerial application of label rate flupropanate may be appropriate and cost effective for control of serrated tussock in steep intractable land dominated by exotic grass species. It is not appropriate for areas dominated by native grass species. • In some situations, unproductive farming land infested with serrated tussock should be returned to native bushland. profitable agricultural enterprises rather than manage for the conservation of native fauna and flora. The approaches Spot spraying: The method used by DECC on steep intractable land is application of herbicide from spray units mounted on 6WD Polaris Rangers. These vehicles have a lower centre of gravity than a quad bike and can cope with steeper slopes. DECC mounts Quickspray units with extension hoses up to 100 m long on the Polaris Rangers (more hose lengths can be added if required). Where land is too steep and difficult even for the Polaris Rangers, staff use portable spray units, such as knapsack sprayers, Polaris Rangers are also used to support staff carrying backpack spray equipment by carrying water and other essential equipment. 95
Page 1 and 2: Section 5 Case studies 1. Changing
Page 3 and 4: Hand pulling: All farm vehicles are
Page 5 and 6: Case Study 2 Pasture management Sum
Page 7: Case Study 3 Controlling serrated t
Page 11 and 12: Tea tree being used to out-compete
Page 13 and 14: Urban serrated tussock infestations
Page 15 and 16: Case Study 6 Cooperative approach b
Page 17 and 18: The result According to Council, as
Page 19 and 20: Results of careful glyphosate spot
Page 21 and 22: The result No serrated tussock plan
Page 23 and 24: Case Study 10 Serrated tussock stra

Section 5 Case studies - Weeds Australia

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?