Serrated Tussock Trials

Research trials plots testing various techniques for controlling serrated tussock

One of the research projects currently being conducted on the Home Farm is a trial of various applications to control serrated tussock. Landscape Planner Anne Gibson and Science Officer James Diack have established a number of small plots including control plots. Techniques being investigated include slashing, composting, fertilizing, application of natural urine, urea and chemicals, which are all being monitored. It is early days but natural urine and urea are proving to be particularly effective. The influence of increased fertility and palatability of serrated tussock plants is evident, as is the competition provided by diverse, healthy pastures.

Serrated tussock

During August we added another research plot following a visit from the NonTox company. NonTox is an organic product shown to be very effective on various weeds in varying locations and conditions. Chief Operating Officer David Swansson recently visited the Mulloon Institute to see our rehydration work and was very keen to see the serrated tussock eradication project. He expressed interest in adding NonTox’s product to the research project which can also be useful for controlling blackberries.

As our living laboratory at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms is a certified organic farm we are certainly very interested in trialling and determining the best organic solutions for controlling or eradicating serrated tussock. We’ll be monitoring Nontox’s affect along with the other treatments over the coming months.

These research trials plots are located at the Home Farm of Mulloon Creek Natural Farms