This case study refers to one of four sites that encompassed a larger reforestation research project. The goal of the project was to evaluate different planting methods and herbicidal regimes. Bare root trees and containerized (RPM) trees were planted while the herbicides Oust and Rodeo were compared for effectiveness.
This particular site was divided in to 8 acres of treatments and 2 acres of control. Of the 8 treatment acres, ½ of the sites were treated with Rodeo and ½ of the sites were treated via forestry mulcher and Oust. The herbicide regime is detailed below
Fall 2016
All chemically treated sites were sprayed using a Polaris ranger with a 75 gallon bloomless sprayer
(4 acres RODEO): In late October 2016 the sites were chemically treated with Rodeo at a rate of 2 quarts/ac and MSO at a rate of 2.8 ounces/acre. The sites were treated late enough in the season that reed canary grass was the only actively growing vegetation on the site. Although grass was thick and mature, it had fallen over “flopped” adequately and relatively even application was deemed possible.
(4 acres OUST): In August of 2016 a forestry mulching head attached to a small skid steer was used to mechanically mow the site. The original intent of this project was to expose reed canary grass rhizomes by tilling into the upper soil. In practice it was only possible to mow the grass as the mulching head could not penetrate the soil surface. In late October 2016 the sites were chemically treated with Oust at a rate of 1 ounce/ac and MSO at a rate of 2.8 ounces/acre. The sites were treated late enough in the season that reed canary grass was the only actively growing vegetation on the site. Although grass was thick and mature, it had fallen over “flopped” adequately and relatively even application was deemed possible.
Spring 2017
Trees were planted in the spring of 2017 across the 8 acres of treatment. Trees were planted at a rate of 60 TPA (RPM) and 356 TPA bare root. All planting was conducted by hand and thorough quality assurance was preformed to ensure trees were properly handled and planted. Planting conditions were superb with high humidity and overcast skies. RPM trees were fitted with a tree tube (24" vole gaurd) and a tree stake for support.
Fall 2017
The Prescription here intended to re-treat the plantings with the same herbicide regimes following the first growing season. Reed canary grass was to be chemically treated in the fall after a hard frost. Frost conditions typically lead to tree defoliation and dormancy while reed canary grass is still actively growing and susceptible to herbicide