Field trials in south-west Scotland

Abstract

SynopsisSouth-west and west Scotland contains a large proportion of the bracken-infested hill pasture in that country and considerable effort has been expended over the past five decades on a scientific approach to bracken control. The trials of various, more or less successful, herbicides culminated in the current work based on the use of asulam or glyphosate which will control, but only in rare cases eradicate, bracken. Current work is aimed at improving the control effect by investigating and refining timing, rate and method of application, additives and mixtures. Particular emphasis is placed on techniques of improving the underlying sward, where present, and of investigating the factors influencing its growth. Experimental work has not shown any degree of allelopathy towards sown-in grass and clover seed growth, but depth of bracken litter is shown to be important. Doubt is expressed regarding the requirement for a total programme of bracken control and follow-up fertiliser treatment in all cases before grant aid is approved