Time to act on emerging weeds

Senior Landscape Officer Geoff Bowman said that as we come out of winter into spring there are a range of priority declared weeds requiring control.

“Early intervention to control weeds can reduce costs significantly as the young, emerging plants require less herbicide.”

“This also allows desirable pasture species to thrive and out-compete weed species in peak spring growing months,” he said.

“Landholders should control declared weeds such as salvation Jane, horehound, African boxthorn, asparagus weeds and variegated thistle,” he said.

“Preventing spread and decreasing weeds on your property benefits industry and most importantly the long-term sustainability of your land,” Geoff said.

One of the priority weeds for the LC Landscape Board this season is salvation Jane.

“Salvation Jane has a significant impact on agriculture, out-competing pasture to quickly become the dominant species and reducing soil fertility as it replaces nitrogen fixing plants in pastures.”

“The salvation Jane seed is long-lived and can remain dormant underground for up to five years, which means many landowners might not even be aware that it is on their property. Consistent follow-up control is key with multiple treatments over the winter period and effective management of early-flowering plants is important to reduce years of re-emergence,” he said.

Landholders have a legal responsibility, under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, to control declared plants on their land.

“Our Landscape Officers are located all around the Limestone Coast and can help landholders with advice on weed control techniques, weed identification and resources for landholders to support best practice control.”

For more information or advice on pest plant and animal management in your area contact your local Landscape Officer or by calling the Limestone Coast Landscape Board on 08 8429 7550.