Serrated Tussock: Managing native pastures to prevent invasion

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2008. Serrated Tussock: Managing native pastures to prevent invasion. [Online] (Updated April 28th, 2009)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/2567 [Accessed Tuesday 26th of April 2011 05:15:55 AM ].

Summary

This project aims to develop better management practices to stop the spread of serrated tussock to new paddocks, new regions and uninfested native grasslands, by better understanding the management and biophysical factors that affect its spread on-farm.

Aims

The purpose of this project is to develop better management practices for serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) through improved understanding of the management and bio-physical on-farm factors associated with the success and, or failure to control this devastating weed. An important component of this project is the focus on management practices that prevent the further spread of Australia’s worst perennial grass weed within and between farms and why some farmers appear unsuccessful at overcoming this weed. Connections between the ways the livestock production system is managed and the tactics employed for managing serrated tussock will be closely investigated.

Outcomes

The key conclusion from this study is that regardless of the amount of serrated tussock seed in the soil, the key to preventing establishment of serrated tussock in threatened paddocks is the constant and vigilant use of a control technique that minimises disturbance (e.g. spot spraying, chipping). It must be remembered that many producers with high densities of tussock encounter significant limitations to carrying out this technique.

Results suggested that respondents with a high infestation were more likely to think that absence of control was the reason for the infestation, whereas respondents with low infestations were more likely to think that seed blowing in from a neighbouring property was the reason for their infestation.

Background

The role of seedbank loads in infestation rates is yet to be fully explored and understanding this is essential in stopping uninfested pastures being invaded. The interactions between management factors and seedbank loads are also unknown. A need exists to shift the farm management focus from the livestock to the pastures and weed, and produce recommendations for farm management that are simple and easy to implement. A shift to a pasture focus includes the need to maintain pastures in a good condition for animal production as well as to resist weed invasion.