Control of alpine dock (Rumex alpinus) by non-chemical methods

Abstract

Alpine dock (Rumex alpinus) is a troublesome weed particularly in protected zones or Natura 2000 areas, in which only non-chemical control measures can be applied. The aim of our study was to investigate by means of a field experiment the effectiveness of various non-chemical methods: mowing, manual removal, heating, foil and grazing by cattle and pigs. Floristic changes, cover, number of shoots and biomass were monitored at 14-day intervals for three consecutive years. Manual removal and foil were most successful, with almost complete removal of the biomass and cover of alpine dock, and mowing, which reduced the cover to 50%. Other methods were not as efficient. Animals avoid grazing on R. alpinus and heat merely supresses dock growth for a short period.