Being aware of Arundo Donax removal techniques is just as important as knowing how to successfully plant, cultivate and utilise. The plant can be used for supplying biogas plants, bioethanol plants, pellet and briquette producers, furniture producers and even for remediation of polluted soils.
However, if you wish to eliminate the giant reed grass – whether you own a large plantation for harvesting biomass to supply renewable energy plants, or Arundo Donax has successfully remedied the contaminated soil and the field is ready to be used for food production – in the 5 tips below you can find out how.The first two sections will favour those who wish to eliminate giant reed grass on a small scale, whilst the remaining three Arundo Donax removal techniques are for mass extermination.
1. Arundo Donax removal: cutting and digging
Yes, this method requires diligence and manpower, however it is believed to be the most successful way to get rid of giant reed grass in small, manageable sized clumps. First, you have to cut the plant down to the ground, then dig out the rhizomes. This procedure can be carried out at any time of year. Bear in mind, you have to be thorough since Arundo Donax will re-sprout from any leftover rhizome.
Watch this video on getting rid of giant reed grass!
2. Arundo Donax removal: building a barrier
This manual approach of Arundo Donax removal works well if your living area is surrounded by the giant reed grass, but your garden has not been taken over yet. About the only way you can make sure your property stays intact is to build a solid barrier around your yard. Dig a trench at least 3 feet deep and make sure that your barrier is made of a material that will not rot, rust or degrade, such as plastic cardboard or cement.
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3. Arundo Donax removal: foliar spraying
This mass extermination technique means spraying herbicide onto the leaves or stems of the reed, and does not require cutting or digging. However, careful timing is key if you go with this method.
The optimum time for foliar spraying is either from mid-August to early November, when the giant reed grass is actively preparing for winter, or after flowering. During this time, it translocates nutrients to the rootmass, thus spraying herbicide onto the leaves or stems in this period of time will result in moving the herbicide to the roots.
The type of herbicide which is recommended to remove Arundo plantation is a Glyphosate compound. The efficiency of this Arundo Donax removal procedure ranges between 50-90% in the first year, and complete destruction can be expected in the following year – depending on herbicide mixture and climatic conditions.
4. Arundo Donax removal: spraying onto the cut plant stem
This method of Arundo Donax removal combines mechanical and chemical treatment. It is advised to cut the cane off at 5-7 centimetres above the ground. The next step is to apply concentrated Glyphosate directly to the stump.
You have to be fast, though! It is highly recommended to cut only what can be treated with herbicide within one to two minutes after chopping to ensure tissue uptake. This manner of Arundo Donax removal is also most effective post-flowering.
The main advantage of the cut-stem treatment is that you need less herbicide. It is the best choice if you work in mixed vegetation and near bodies of water. However, follow up treatment of re-growth is often required after the initial treatment.
The effectiveness of this method ranges between 50-95% in the first year, however full eradication may take a couple of years. Follow up treatment of re-growth is also generally required more than once after the initial treatment.
5. Arundo Donax removal: cut, re-sprout and spray
This procedure is the less efficient, with a success rate of 50% in the first year and 75% in the second year. Total elimination takes between 3-5 years.
After cutting the cane off (either by hand or using power tools), you should allow it to re-sprout and only then treating it with herbicide. Spraying is ought to be timed when regrowth is still small – about three weeks after cutting.
The best time to get rid of giant reed grass in this manner and allow re-sprouting is during spring and summer. You should cut early in the growing season to have time left for re-sprouting in the same year.
If you are interested in what you CAN USE Arundo Donax for, take a look at our website!
