Non chemical control methods can be an effective part of an integrated weed management plan for serrated tussock. The methods listed should not be used as the sole method for serrated tussock control. The best outcomes, use in conjunction with other types of control methods.
Non-chemical control techniques comprise manual removal, mulching, and the use of fire. More detailed information on non-chemical control can be found in the National Serrated Tussock Best Practice Manual.
Chipping, also referred to as hoeing, is the physical removal of the entire serrated tussock plant from the ground using a hoe or mattock. In the bare ground left by chipping, scatter pasture seed and fertiliser to increase ground cover and promote competition.
Once removed from the ground, shake soil from the roots or leave in a position with the roots exposed to dry out. Otherwise the plant may re-root and grow. If chipped while in flower, bag the whole plant, remove from the paddock and burn.
Ease of chipping will depend upon soil type. Serrated tussock is more easily removed from soft or sandy soils compared to heavy or clay soils. Manual removal can be used all year around, but preferably before serrated tussock flowers.
Mulching is the physical application of material, such as straw, wood chippings, plastic sheeting or carpet, over the ground to prevent weed growth. This method will stop all smothered vegetation from growing, including all beneficial vegetation. To be effective, re-vegetate desirable species into the mulch layer. Mulching can be undertaken all year around.
A hot serrated tussock fire will not kill adult plants, though it will remove biomass and destroy about 25 per cent of the serrated tussock seed bank. Mostly surface seed is destroyed as buried seed is unaffected by fire. Only use fire in combination with other control methods.
Burnt serrated tussock plants may regrow and fire stimulates the mass germination of serrated tussock seeds. Therefore, always carry out a vigorous follow up control program to remove serrated tussock seedlings, using an appropriate herbicide control technique suited to preserving the desirable background pasture species.
Do not use glyphosate following fire until enough green leaf material is available for chemical uptake. Avoid using fire for at least one to two years following the application of flupropanate as it removes the herbicide residual from the soil.
Serrated tussock will produce a hot fire year round, which may have harmful effects on desirable vegetation. Always use fire with caution and seek advice when required.
Fire is best used in late autumn to late winter—this may reduce seed-set and the summer fire hazard. If using fire, only burn once every two to three years.
Always contact the local fire authority, check current fire restrictions and if required, obtain permits.
Country Fire Authority - Victoria
03 9262 8444