Trials , results , knowledge gained
soil country and around creek lines . This was pushed into piles and burnt .
There was considerable seedling recruitment in the disturbed soil and the regrowth will be sprayed .
As a result of the trial and observation of other rubber vine control work in the region , it was decided to purchase a Challenger plough , to fully develop the more productive soils .
Future management of the woody weeds on the heavier soils will involve ploughing with the Challenger and re-seeding with legumes and pasture grasses .
FOLIAR SPRAY
A twin reel , 600l QuikSpray unit was used for foliar spraying mature and regrowth lantana and rubber vine with metsulfuron .
Treatment was on regrowth following the dozer work , and on mature plants along tracks and fire breaks across 2800ha ( the area targeted for burning ).
The initial treatment resulted in a high kill rate , although some reshooting and seedling recruitment occurred during the following wet season .
BURNING
Based on observations on other properties , the trial area was burnt during the following spring . However , this was not particularly successful as there was an insufficient fuel load to carry a hot fire .
KEY LEARNINGS
• Always check legislative obligations to see if the planned technique is authorised .
• Some regrowth occurred due to insufficient spray coverage and seedling recruitment in bare areas .
• Follow-up is critical after weeds are mechanically removed .
• Foliar spray plants when they are showing no signs of stress and have full leaf coverage and ensure full spray coverage of the plant .
• A splatter gun is a good additional treatment option for dense infestations , helping to reduce chemical costs .
• Grazing management will be modified to ensure a sufficient fuel load is available for a hot fire . Burning is considered a potentially cost-effective option , where an adequate hot fire can be carried .
• Using a drone to monitor the site encouraged investigations into that option to spray softer weeds , such as parthenium , on the property .