Vegetation management is all about the control of unwanted or overgrown plants. There are a range of techniques available, each helping to mitigate the risks posed by unchecked vegetation.
In this article, we cover the range of vegetation management including weed control, hedge maintenance, slope mowing, pasture topping, and native vegetation management.
We also cover the differences between chemical, biological, and mechanical vegetation management methods to help you decide on the best approach for your needs.
Vegetation management refers to the targeted control of unwanted vegetation, invasive plants, hazardous trees, weeds, and other vegetation. This reduces various risks caused by unwanted overgrowth, including encroachments on accessways, stunted growth of desirable plant life, and harm to biodiversity.
In most modern applications, a combination of biological, chemical, and mechanical management techniques are used.
Managing weed growth prevents invasive plants from competing with crops and native vegetation. With fewer weeds, the desired plants have more water, nutrients, and sunlight to thrive. This improves agricultural yields, maintains ecosystem balance, and reduces harm to biodiversity.
Methods of weed management vary from chemical herbicides to mechanical weeding machines to livestock grazing. The most effective methods of weed management usually involve a combination of techniques, known as integrated weed management.
One of the most common examples is using mechanical weeders regularly and occasionally using herbicides to get on top of any overgrowth.
Well-maintained hedges act as natural barriers for livestock and harsh wind, protecting your farm from unnecessary damage. One of the most popular methods for hedge maintenance is using a mechanical hedge trimmer or reach mower.
Native trees and shrubs can help the environment and add value to your land. Native bush provides shade and shelter for stock, stabilises the soil, and provides habitat for native wildlife. To ensure your native vegetation is well maintained, weeds can be controlled by hand or certain herbicides. If using a tool like a grubber, be careful not to dig too deeply as you could damage the roots. If using herbicides, be careful to do it in still conditions and avoid any contact with the stem and leaves.
On steeper terrains, vegetation management is critical for reducing the risk of soil erosion, slips, and runoff issues. With a slope mower or remote-control slope mower, it is easier to manage these steeper areas.
Topping is when you cut the top portion of grass growth consisting of seed heads. Redirecting the plant’s energy to grass growth instead of the seeds boosts growth and increases nutritional quality. It also cleans your pasture of weeds and unwanted grass species.
In our helpful article about paddock topping, we explain the importance of topping your paddocks and also share our advice on when to implement this in the grazing cycle.
Chemical Vegetation Management refers to the use of herbicides or chemical treatments to control vegetation, often used in agriculture, forestry, and roadside management. In theory, this method targets weeds while avoiding harm to the surrounding plants and ecosystems. Common application methods include PTO sprayers and Drone-targeted spraying.
When using chemical weeders and herbicides, be wary of herbicide-resistant weeds. If used incorrectly or relied upon too much, the weeds may develop a tolerance to the chemicals and take over.
If you decide to use chemical weed killers, we recommend using them as a supplementary method to a mechanical weeding machine, always in alignment with the Environmental Protection Authority recommendations. For more information on Chemical Vegetation Management, see the MPI website.
Biological Vegetation Management involves using animals, insects, fungi, or microbes to control unwanted vegetation. This leverages natural processes and ecosystems to suppress invasive species and promote the growth of desired vegetation. This offers a sustainable alternative to chemical control methods though it may need to be supplemented with herbicides or mechanical techniques from time to time.
Perhaps the most commonly used method of biological vegetation management is grazing animals such as cattle, goats, or sheep. Goats are effective at controlling brush and broadleaf weeds while sheep are often used to manage grassy weeds and understory vegetation.
Another lesser-known approach is using certain insect species or fungi to control invasive plants. For example, some insects, fungi, and bacteria can be used to attack or suppress certain weeds by feeding on them.
Manual weed removal is the most effective method and has been for centuries but the labour costs have become too high. This is why mechanical weeding machines and mowers were developed to tend to large-scale areas more efficiently.
Mechanical vegetation management includes pasture toppers, slope mowers, remote slope mowers, reach mowers, sawblades, and more. With one worker operating the machine, the job can be completed quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
For large areas and pastures, you need a mower that can cover large areas efficiently. At Agriquip, we supply a range of mowers for these applications, including Major Mowers and Toppers, Trailed Rotary Mowers, and Flail Mowers.
For terrain that is steep or difficult to access, a Robocut Remote-Controlled Slope Mower offers a safe and efficient solution. This range can handle any terrain, removing the operator from dangerous or restricted zones.
We offer a range of reach mowers and hedge trimmers from reputable brands, including McConnel Hedge Cutters, Marolin Hedge Trimmers, Bomford Reach Mowers, and Spearhead Arm Mowers.
For more advice on the various methods of weed management and vegetation management, download our free Guide to Vegetation Management. Inside, you’ll find specifications on our full range of vegetation management products, along with recommendations and more.