Soft Rush Control

Why control Soft Rush?

• 5.2 million hectares (12.8 million acres) of rough grazing (common and sole right) in the UK
• Approximately 10% of this is ‘in-bye’ pasture with a yield potential of
  7t to 10t DM/ha
• So 1.28 million acres are at risk from soft rush
• Every percent cover of soft rush reduces grass growth by the same proportion (10% cover = 10% loss)

Benefit – sustainable intensification

• Recent work in Northern Ireland shows that a 75% control rate is possible with one application of glyphosate
• Controlling a 40% infestation to 10% could increase grass yield from
  7t to 9.1t DM/ha (0.85t DM/acre)
• This would enable beef and sheep farmers to:
  – Increase stocking rates
  – Utilise grazing more efficiently
  – Make more and better quality silage

When to control?

• June is a good month to start a Rush control programme
• Treat pre-flowering
  Boom sprayer or weed wiper
• Allow to die back and cut after one month

Chemical control options

SELECTIVE HERBICIDE

• Overall spray via boom sprayer
• MCPA based
• Safe to the grass

NON SELECTIVE

• Weed wiper application
• Only glyphosate approved
• Apply to weeds only (not grass)

Weed wiper application of glyphosate

• Contra-rotating brush applies glyphosate to Rush and not the grass
• Relies on height differential of the weed above the grass
• Ideal method for water catchment areas
• Free hire from water authorities
  

  Logic Weed Wiper

Stewardship

• Keep boom spray at least five metres back from water courses
• Use low drift nozzles (three star air inclusion type)
• Do not exceed maximum application rate
• Do not spray if rain is expected within the day
• Do not spray waterlogged fields where tyre marks are visible
• Do not wash out the sprayer near drains or in the yard
• Consider use of weed wipers in water catchments