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NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
WEED CONTROL METHODS
WEED CONTROL METHODS CONT .
MECHANICAL CONTROL
This is the use of heavy equipment such as a bulldozer or bobcat with a blade or various attachments to remove the weeds at ground level . These methods can be very effective at removing large stands of woody weeds however will require follow-up chemical or mechanical treatments . As extensive soil disturbance can occur when using heavy machinery , a management plan identifying follow-up actions to control regrowth and address erosion issues is recommended . To minimise these negative impacts it is important to consider the soil type , soil moisture , growth cycle and density of infestation to choose the appropriate time and combination of control methods . Good machinery hygiene is important to prevent the spread of weed and disease from on site to another .
• Homan Plough
A huge rear-mounted blade plough with a single tyne pulled by a large bulldozer .
• Ellrott Plough
Horizontal steel bar attachment front-mounted of a bulldozer or bobcat slices through the underground root system . Usually used with an upper pusher bar to push the plant forward improving visibility and manoeuvrability . Used to remove woody weeds whilst leaving existing native vegetation in situ .
• Stick Raking
A clawed blade , rear-mounted to a bulldozer which breaks mature plants off and rakes them into piles ( windrows ) as the machine moves forward .