Spiny Rice-flower Steam Weed Control

Spiny Rice-flower Steam Weed Control

In an effort to improve conditions to a translocated population of endangered Spiny Rice-flowers (SRF), Aus Eco Solutions have made the following changes to the site. Advice was sought by leading experts regarding SRF management.

1.  Removed the old shade cloth fencing surrounding the plants to allow for more sunlight to reach the plant.
2. Replace the old shade cloth with weed matting to limit competition and help retain water.
3. Install rabbit proof mesh around the outside of the existing fence to eliminate herbivore predation.
4. Hand weed any growth that begins growing through the weed mat.
5. Collect seed for propagation trials

After achieving the first three recommendations we decided to trial using the Saturated steam weed control unit to keep the weed mats clear of weeds. This has allowed us to limit disturbance to the surrounding ground, while adhering to the strict no herbicide requirements and improve productivity within the management areas. Adopting these changes has improved the flowering of the plants and we are hopefully collecting seed this winter.

Watch this short clip of our environmental technicians using the saturated steam weed control unit around the endangered SRF.