Title: The effects of potential bracken and scrub control herbicides on lowland Calluna and grass heath communities in East Anglia, UK
Abstract: In order to assess the effects of nine herbicides, which have a potential use for bracken and/or scrub control, on non-target lowland heath vegetation, two screening experiments were carried out at a Calluna vulgaris heath, and a grass heath dominated by Festuca ovina. The aims of the experiments were to select herbicides which caused minimal damage to the heath plant communities, and to monitor recovery from damage should any occur. No significant damage to Calluna was found where asulam, fosamine ammonium or 2,4,5-T were applied; on the grass heath these three herbicides and triclopyr caused no damage. Thus these herbicides are suitable for use for the control of bracken and/or scrub on lowland heaths. It is suggested that damage caused by other herbicides may be beneficial in some situations, for example in promoting new pioneer Calluna, or by increasing numbers of dicotyledons on the grass heath. This is almost certainly caused by gap creation and suppression of competition, but the role of increased rabbit activity in damaged plots on the grass heath may also be important. Some of the difficulties inherent in assessing risks of herbicide use on nature reserves are noted, and briefly discussed.
Publication Year: 1985
Publication Date: 1985-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 29
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