February 13th 1999
News
February 13th 1999
News |
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 News Features REPS & ENVIRONMENT By Angela Nugent Hedges Extensive hedge planting is on-going in Northern Ireland. Last year over 40 miles of new hedges were planted in Fermanagh . While grants foster interest, awareness of the benefits of hedges motivate actual planting. The benefits of a good thick based hedge are many - shelter, aid to the control of soil erosion, wildlife cover and an appropriate landscape feature. Unfortunately some farmers have cleared hedges and left a bleak, featureless landscape. The use of black polythene as a mulch when planting quicks works well. It provides good weed control and a micro climate. Over time weeds and grasses will come through the planting slits and in from the sides and compete with the new hedge. Now is the time to take action against invasive weeds. There are various options open to you. Much will depend on the length of hedging, the extent of the weed problem and your own preferences. While hand weeding is effective it is laborious. Norman Noble advocates residual herbicides containing Propyzamide as an easier method of weed control. This product is available in granular or liquid form. Apply it in cold moist conditions, through from October to the end of February. Do not use it on frozen or snow covered ground for fear of run off with the thaw. The cost involved is aout 5 to 6 pence per metre run. |
Copyright © : The Irish Farmers Journal 1999 |
