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Correct Mixing & Application of Herbicides

24/1/2011

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We had a request to add simplified information on this site about the mixing and application ratios for herbicides? Unfortunately is this a very difficult subject to generalise.

There are many factors to consider when deciding on a mixture and application rate. Some of the factors are the plant species to be sprayed or treated, variety of plants in the same area, the stages of growth, the density of the targeted species, and the water/mixture per ha sprayed (calibration).

As an example: Bugweed needs a very low mixture at medium volumes. Bramble needs a high mixture at high volumes (very wet). If you spray bugweed with a "too strong" mixture, the leaves will burn and fall off. The plant will look dead for a while, but soon it will re sprout and form new shoots. It will look as if you gave it fertilizer. So you can see the complexity of mixtures if you have an area with Bugweed and Bramble.

So unfortunately it is not so easy to make general suggestions. We normally suggest to anyone spraying that label recommendations must be followed. However, should a difficult or unclear situation occur, is Dix available to evaluate any requirements/situations and make appropriate recommendations.

Share your thoughts and experiences on this subject.
Contact Dix

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Bramble Threat

21/1/2011

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We had an interesting discussion with the people of a Nature Reserve nearby about the Bramble threat.  

Brambles are thorny plants of the genus Rubus, with about 250 species. There are 17 species recorded from southern Africa, some indigenous and others naturalised. The Bramble fruit include the blackberry and rasberry.  

Bramble bushes have a distinctive growth form. They send up long, arching canes that do not flower or set fruit until the second year of growth. Many types of brambles bear edible fruit, and many have recurved thorns that dig into clothing and flesh when the victim tries to pull away from them. Some types also have hair-like thorns.

Species are pioneers of open and disturbed habitats. Berries are eaten by birds which enables seeds to be dispersed widely. Plants are able to spread vegetatively by sending out sucker shoots, and rooting where branches (canes) contact the ground. Thorns along the branches make movement through these bushes very difficult. With these sorts of properties it is no wonder that some Rubus species have become weeds. They are a big problem in many areas now. It is the opinion of many that Brambles will become a threat of major proportions if we do not take the control thereof very seriously.
Contact us  for more information on how to control Bramble.
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How does Bush Encroachment influence the economy?

17/1/2011

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Bush encroachment is the suppression of palatable grasses and herbs by encroaching woody species often unpalatable to domestic livestock. Therefore, bush encroachment reduces the carrying capacity for livestock. The reduction in carrying capacity is of great significance because savannas in southern and central Africa contain a large and rapidly growing proportion of the world’s human population, including many pastoralists whose livelihood is threatened by this process. (D Ward, University of Stellenbosch)
Bush encroachment thus affects the agricultural productivity and biodiversity

A study was done in Uganda to determine the affects of bush encroachment on livestock farming.
Results indicated that cleared farms had higher herbage dry matter, Heifers on these cleared farms reached puberty earlier, had a higher calving rate, yield higher milk, and had better body conditions. The annual cross income per cow on cleared farms was higher then those on bushy farms. Cleared farms were thus more profitable then bushy farms.
To read more about this study, visit Economic Implications of Bush Encroachment.

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Bush Encroachment Control Methods

15/12/2010

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Mechanical control
The most popular methods of controlling bush encroachment mechanically, are chopping, slashing, ring barking and felling.
The stumps are then treated immediately with a chemical weed killer.

Chemical control

Herbicides can be used effectively to control a range of problem plants. When using an herbicide, it is vital to follow the instructions on the label strictly regarding the application, correct methods of application, safe and proper use and storage of the product.

Using the services of a specialist
Often landowners try to save money by using their limited knowledge to work out their own weed control programs and bush encroachment controls methods. Only to find out later that there are more appropriate programs which would have saved them plenty of money in the long term. 
When working out a proper weed control program, one must remember that weed control is not a once off, quick fix situation. You have to find the methods which will give you the best results over a longer period, with the least financial cost
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Weed control and bush encroachment programs can be very expensive and very labour intensive, especially when done incorrectly. It is therefore crucial to use the knowledge and experience of a specialist weed controller. Doing this can save you plenty of labour, time and money over a longer period.
To find out more about our specialised services, visit   Specialised Services


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