Assessment of current weed control methods relevant to the management of the biodiversity of Australian rangelands
J. S. Vitelli A C and J. L. Pitt BA CRC for Australian Weed Management, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia. Current address: Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water, PO Box 187, Charters Towers, Qld 4820, Australia.
B Rural Solutions, Department of Primary Industries and Resources, PO Box 822, Clare, SA 5453, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: joseph.vitelli@nrm.qld.gov.au
The Rangeland Journal 28(1) 37-46 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ06016
Submitted: 17 February 2006 Accepted: 16 March 2006 Published: 29 May 2006
Abstract
The Australian rangelands contain extensive and often dense populations of a wide variety of weed species. An array of techniques is available for effectively controlling many of these. To achieve long-term weed control, weeds should be targeted objectively and the dependence on the use of single treatments such as herbicides and machinery reduced, with greater adoption of integrated methods. The combination of methods will differ if the primary objective within the rangelands is to restore and maintain biodiversity or to improve forage production for domestic and native animals. Revegetation of sites and exclusion of herbivores from weed treated areas is important in establishing species that will compete with invasive weeds. Due to rangelands being sparsely populated, the necessary equipment, skills and finances to use appropriate control options on extensive weed infestations are often lacking, with landholders requiring the assistance of local, state and federal authorities to assist in managing weeds.
Additional keyword: integrated management.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Drs Tony Grice and Nigel Ainsworth, Barbara Madigan, and Marie Vitelli for their constructive comments on the manuscript.
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