NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE pg . 9
WEED CONTROL METHODS CONT .
• Chain Pulling
A heavy chain is pulled behind two bulldozers travelling parallel to each other at a suitable distance apart . ‘ Double chaining ’ involves dragging the chain over the same area for a second time in the opposite direction . Used for large areas of dense infestations of woody weeds with no native vegetation .
• Cutter Barring
A steel horizontal blade is mounted between ripper tynes on the rear of a bulldozer . This is effective as a follow up method to stick raking or chain pulling .
• Slashing
Slashing is the use of a mechanical slasher either attached to a tractor or to a brush cutter to remove exposed vegetation . This rarely kills the plant but allows easier access to follow up control of the inevitable regrowth .
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
This method involves using a parasite , insect , or disease to control a pest . Ideally the biological control is a highly specialised organism that only attacks the weed and nothing else . An example is the use of the Cactoblastis moth to control prickly pear .
WEED CONTROL METHODS CONT .
BURNING
Some weeds can be killed using fire . However it is important when using fire as a control method that the native vegetation type be considered as some may be damaged by fire and others assisted by it . Contacting local fire authorities for a permit before burning is required by law .