The Non-Chem Method

Bush regeneration must be applied to restore habitat but what if we don't want to use chemical?

The Issue

I want to regenerate my property without the use herbicides.

The Challenge

Applying an effective weed management plan that uses no herbicides.

The Response

 Step 1: Map the Work Zones
Creating a property map is the best way to know the extent and severity of your weed problem. This can be done manually by printing out a map of your property or it can be done digitally using phone applications such as AVENZA. We'll give you two basic tutorials performing manual mapping and using AVENZA below.  

Manual Mapping
1. Print out a property map
2. Using different coloured markers, highlight the areas invaded by weed using a colour coded system of sparse, dense, really dense. These different coloured areas are going to be your work zones starting in the areas least degraded before most degraded.
3. It's also important to map any natural assets such as riparian zones, threatened ecological communities and steep areas that may impact the treatment method, timing and availability of resources and finances. 

AVENZA Mapping
1. Import or download a property map
2. Walking or driving around your property pin areas invaded by weeds using colour coded pins that represent sparse, dense, really dense. These different coloured areas are going to be your work zones starting in the areas least degraded before most degraded.
3. It's also important to map any natural assets such as riparian zones, threatened ecological communities and steep areas that may impact the treatment method, timing and availability of resources and finances. 

Step 2: Develop a work plan
Once the problem is identified and the objectives set, it's now time to plan. Plans will outline project work zones, treatment methods, time frames and expenditure. It should include available techniques, approvals and certification required, legal constraints and who is involved. An integrated approach that uses a variety of control methods such as herbicides, mechanical removal, fire, biological control and revegetation gives the best results. Also guided by the Bradley method that recommends working from areas of light infestation towards heavier infestation, and longterm follow-up control whilst minimising disturbance to soil and inappropriate use of fire will reduce the opportunity for lantana to re-establish. 

Step 3: What are your options 

Physical Removal

This includes hand pulling or with the use of tools to cut and dig. The best time is after rain when soil is moist. Wear gloves when hand pulling. Grub out roots with a mattock or hoe, then roll and haul the stems and roots away. Remove the roots and stems of the weed so it won't regrow.

Bull dozing or Slashing

This will remove large bushes, and help access through infestations. However the plant will regrow. Avoid disturbing large areas at any one time to avoid leaving large areas of bare ground, risking soil erosion. Revegetate and monitor bare areas for regrowth.

Livestcok

Livestock such as pigs can break up thickets and help create access tracks for other controls. Watch for any signs of poisoning (see Livestock poisoning above).

Fire

Fire is relatively inexpensive and well suited to habitats that require a suitable fire regime. Burning is not

recommended in rainforest and vine

thickets because they're highly sensitive

to fire. Disturbance in these habitats may

actually promote weeds if the canopy

is opened up. A permit may be required

to burn – check with your local council or

state/territory weed management agency

Step 4: Follow Up and Revegetation 
Follow-up control can include any of the above methods. For example, any small regrowth can be hand pulled however, it is important to maintain regular walk throughs as seedlings are regularly dropped by birds or spread by water and wind. This should be a routine for as long as possible. 

In areas that have been disturbed for long periods of time may not have the adequate native seed soil bank to regenerate naturally or some areas might just need a helping hand by planting some added diversity, either way revegetation is a great way to ensure the resilience of treated areas. Once the revegetation reaches a certain height this will aid in shading out weeds whilst revegetating riparian zones and steep areas will reduce erosion. Check with your local council or state/territory weed management agency about appropriate species for revegetating pastures or forests in your area.

Its important to remember that using non-chemical treatment methods can be more time costly and will require a longer integrated plan that works with the seasons appropriately. Gaining as much assistance through community organisations and chemical-free bush regenerators is a great idea to tailor the most appropriate management plan for your property and associated weeds.

For more information, follow the links below

Land for Wildlife,

Byron Shire Council

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