Blogs

A case study at Byfield, by WaterPark Farm owner-manager Jordan Slarke, has successfully minimised weedy Sporobolus grasses (WSGs) through a single herbicide treatment followed by successive fertiliser applications.

Following earlier management attempts, including the use of herbicide only or of different fertiliser mixes and applications, Jordan found a combined application of herbicide and fertiliser created gaps in the WSG that enabled a competitive pasture response; also enhancing the proportion of desirable pasture species to undesirable WSGs.

Testing a fertiliser-based approach to weed reduction, over the heavy use of chemicals, the Byfield case study showed several benefits which may not have been possible with herbicides alone. Such benefits include competitive desirable pasture species, higher potential livestock weight gains, improved soil health, and longer term sustainable outcomes.

Case study.