Improvement of field margin habitat by selective control of annual weeds.

Abstract

The herbaceous vegetation of field boundaries is an important wildlife habitat, but on many farms has degenerated and become dominated by Bromus sterilis and Galium aparine which have little habitat value and threaten adjacent crops. An experiment was carried out to investigate the potential for selective control of these species by autumn herbicide application. Quinmerac, mecoprop and fluazifop-P-butyl, alone or in combination, were applied in December 1988 and the effects on the hedge bottom flora monitored over the next two years. Good control of both target species was achieved in the first year, with the effects persisting into the second year. Effects on other species were generally small but some increases/decreases did occur. Possible interpretations of the observed effects are discussed, and the potential for application of the technique is considered in the context of improving the botanical composition of field boundary vegetation.