Interactions between cutting and a graminicide on a newly-sown grass and wild flower field margin strip
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Published source details
Marshall E.J.P. & Nowakowski M. (1996) Interactions between cutting and a graminicide on a newly-sown grass and wild flower field margin strip. Aspects of Applied Biology, 44, 307-312.
Published source details Marshall E.J.P. & Nowakowski M. (1996) Interactions between cutting and a graminicide on a newly-sown grass and wild flower field margin strip. Aspects of Applied Biology, 44, 307-312.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Control weeds without damaging other plants in conservation areas Action Link |
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Plant nectar flower mixture/wildflower strips Action Link |
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Control weeds without damaging other plants in conservation areas
A replicated, controlled, randomized study of a wildflower margin at a farm in Oxfordshire, UK (Marshall & Nowakowski 1996) found that applying grass-specific herbicide did not affect overall plant species diversity, however grass diversity was reduced and broadleaved plants increased in sprayed plots. Applying a grass-specific herbicide in December eliminated black grass Alopecurus myosuroides, plots not treated with herbicide were dominated by black grass. Sown crested dogs-tail Cynosurus cristatus was eliminated by a second treatment of herbicide in April; late mowing in June also decreased this species. The wildflower/grass seed was sown on 21 contiguous margin plots (3 x 12 m). Plots were grouped into three blocks, within which they randomly received one of seven treatments: unmanaged, cut April, cut April and May, cut May, cut in May and June, cut in June or grass-specific herbicide (fluazifop-P-butyl) application in April. Cuttings were removed. Half of each plot received grass-specific herbicide in December. Plant composition of sub-plots was sampled in five 0.1 m² quadrats in July 1995.
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Plant nectar flower mixture/wildflower strips
A replicated, controlled, randomized study of a sown wildflower margin at a farm in Oxfordshire, UK (Marshall & Nowakowski 1996) found that margin management affected plant species richness. Seventy plant species were recorded in the sown wildflower margin, including 28 of 36 sown species and 42 unsown species. A single cut in June resulted in a significant reduction of sown (2 vs 4 species/quadrat) and unsown species diversity (5 vs 6-8). Grass-specific herbicide did not affect overall species diversity, however sown and unsown grass diversity was reduced and sown and unsown herbaceous plant diversity significantly increased in herbicide-sprayed plots. Unsprayed plots were dominated by black grass Alopecurus myosuroides, however the species was eliminated by a December application of herbicide. Sown crested dogs-tail Cynosurus cristatus was eliminated by a second treatment of herbicide in April, late mowing in June also decreased this species. The wildflower/grass seed mix was sown on 21 contiguous margin plots (3 m wide by 12 m). Plots were grouped into three blocks, within which they randomly received one of seven treatments: unmanaged, cut April, cut April and May, cut May, cut in May and June, cut in June or grass-specific herbicide (fluazifop-P-butyl) application in April. Cuttings were removed. Half of each plot received grass-specific herbicide application in December. Vegetation in sub-plots was sampled in five 0.1 m² quadrats in July 1995.
