War on Weed
By Alison Park, 07 July 2010 –
Without making any judgements you could say some of our herbage contains a high proportion of dock foliage. Actually, we're overrun with weed in a couple of fields. The deep tap root has the advantage over shallow rooted grass and is very difficult to eradicate once established. Decapitation provides only cosmetic satisfaction as the docks regenerate like triffids. Its seed can survive for 50 years in undisturbed soil. We have entered a zero tolerance phase in the worst affected ground, but biological control appeared unbidden in the form of the beautifully named green dock beetle gastrophysa viridula. This shimmering insect can decimate a dock leaf in a matter of hours. We've introduced a few pigs to root out the roots, and are simultaneously busy with spades, digging. It's a 6 legged, 4 legged and 2 legged approach.