WEED CONTROL OPTIONS IN HILL COUNTRY

Abstract

Weed control in hill country requires a combination of biological control, management and herbicides. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) two important hill country weeds are used as examples. Management factors include, subdivision, pasture competition, stocking rate, grazing management and type of animal. Goats, goat-sheep mixtures, and sheep mob grazed have been found to restrict gorse to acceptable low densities and low heights. Herbicide options include blanket spraying and spot spraying. Clover damage and reductions in nitrogen fixation rates occur with MCPA, 2,4-D, and 2,4,5-T. Key Words: gorse, nodding thistle, goats, grazing management, MCPA, 2.4-D, 2,4,5-T, nitrogen fixation.