Free PestSmart Guidance
Whilst some of our initiatives are only available in certain catchments, best practice procedures, and guidance available to everyone. Here are links to free advice & guidance on the safe storage, use and disposal of pesticides.
Our Publications
Other Organisations
Farming Connect
Offering advice, support, and training to farmers and foresters in Wales
www.businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/
Initiative
Advice, guidance and promotion of responsible pesticide use
www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
Gwlad online
News, guidance and information for those involved in Welsh agriculture
gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/gwlad/
Rush Management Options
Controlling Infestations of Common Rush can take lots of time, money and effort. The Rush Hierarchy below works through four stages of management to achieve sustainable, long term control.
Review
Assess the need to manage rush, is it feasible and cost-effective. Consider:
Land – is it naturally wet? Changing field drainage can effect water flow through land and wider the catchment.
Species – some rush provides valuable habitat for wildlife. Maybe seek to enhance this, possibly through schemes e.g. Glastir.
Permissions – if land is important habitat e.g. SSSI, then management activity may be prohibited and prior permission required.
Understand
Recognise and understand why rushes flourish, and maintain conditions to help prevent establishment.
- Soil test routinely and follow nutrient management plan.
- Maintain field drains.
- Avoid damage to sward cover and soil structure.
- Sustain good soil structure.
- Assess grazing regimes. Over grazing in winter or under grazing in spring may encourage infestation.
Solve
Introduce changes to land management techniques to create less favorable conditions for rushes to grow.
- Improve soil structure e.g. sward lifting or mole drains.
- Raise soil pH through application of lime.
- Install or clear old field drains to improve drainage.
- Check species of grass and consider surface or full re-seeding programme.
- Seek advice from a BASIS qualified adviser to establish appropriate phosphate, potash and magnesium levels.
- Adjust grazing regimes to avoid under or over grazing.
Handle
Using seasonal treatment techniques can provide a quick fix, but only handle infestations for the short term. Treatment can be used effectively with methods to solve and improve land conditions.
Mechanical - topping/cutting rushes just before seeding can knock back growth. Cutting when the plant has seeded may spread infestation further.
Chemical - careful consideration should be taken before using any herbicides as they pose a significant risk to water quality, especially in rivers abstracted from for drinking water.
Weed Wiping
Option 1
- Lower risk option. Uses significantly less herbicide with direct application to rush.
Spot Spraying
Option 2
- Risk of spray drift. Can use lower risk chemical. Only suitable for small infestations.
Boom Spraying
Option 3
- High risk of spray drift. Commonly uses MCPA which takes significantly longer to break down in the environment. More costly option.