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Japanese Knotweed Article in BURA
ECS were very pleased to have recently written an article which has been published in the BURA – (British Urban Regeneration Association magazine). BURA is the leading membership organisation supporting regeneration. BURA identifies and promotes best practice in regeneration and issues awards accordingly. To read the interesting and informative article concerned please see below:
JAPANESE KNOTWEED – THE ISSUES
Peter Doove – Eco Control Solutions
Japanese Knotweed is a rhizomatous perennial; it is a highly invasive plant and is recognised as the most invasive species of plant in Britain today.
NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF JAPANESE KNOTWEED
· Easily spread by natural means and by human activity via groundwork and disturbance.
· It has the capacity to regenerate from rhizome as small as 0.4g.
· A reduction in land value
· Damage to foundations and structures
· Damage to road and parking surfaces
· Damage to Walls
· Can prevent access to paths and land
· Can cause bank erosion
· Monoculture ecosystems are created by reducing localised biodiversity.
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CASE STUDY
ECS have been awarded the contract to eradicate Japanese Knotweed within the boundary of the National Park lands owned by the Duchy of Lancaster; it is a site of special, scientific interest (SSSI).
Two infestations of Japanese Knotweed in two separate locations was a cause for concern. The origins of the initial infestation are not known but the most probable source was from contaminated material being brought down stream. Each stand of Japanese knotweed was approximately two meters apart on opposite sides of a river bank, close to a public pathway.
A specialised treatment method was required due to the close proximity of the Japanese Knotweed plants to a water course. The nature of the surrounding environs was also a compounding issue for the utilisation of the most environmentally considerate method of eradication.
Traditional techniques of eradication i.e. cell burial, dig and dump were inappropriate in this instance because the stands were located so near to the edge of the river bank. Conventional herbicidal spraying is not permitted on any of the Crown Estates.
METHODOLOGY
The most appropriate method of eradication of the Japanese Knotweed was deemed to be via the method of stem injection. ECS has undertaken extensive research and testing of this methodology and has established Stem Injection to be exceptionally successful in the eradication of Japanese Knotweed.
Contrasting from traditional herbicidal treatment methods which are applied to the surface of the leaves of the Japanese Knotweed, stem injection targets the application of a controlled quantity of herbicide directly into the core of the plant. This direct targeting of the herbicidal application enables stem injection to be the least insidious of all eradication methodologies, to areas within the surrounding vicinity of the Japanese Knotweed infestations.
ADVANTAGES OF STEM INJECTION OVER CONVENTIONAL METHODS OF ERADICATION
1. Stem injection is not weather dependant
2. Stem injection can 100% be safely applied in an area where TPO’s (Tree Preservation Orders) have been issued
3. Stem injection has no impact on any surrounding vegetation or wildlife
4. Stem injection is carbon neutral
5. Stem injection is accepted and authorised by the E.A. for use on organic approved farms, without causing the loss of their organic status.
6. Stem injection is 100% effective.
By providing a bespoke solution ECS were able to ensure that there was no detrimental environmental disturbance caused to the village. The utilisation of stem injection avoided any potential environmental nuisances with regards to noise, air quality and any public and residential annoyance.
Post treatment monitoring and Japanese Knotweed rhizome viability testing will be instigated after the final application of stem injection.
Stem Injection signifies a key technological advance for the invasive weeds eradication industry, and provides a significant prospect for widespread application throughout the United Kingdom.
ECS deal with Japanese knotweed eradication on a National Basis offering the following solutions:
· In-situ single season Herbicidal eradication Programme
· Stem injection single season Herbicidal Application
· Dig and Dump
· Cell Burial
· Non Permeable membrane solution
· Stock pile solution
For more information please contact our Head office in Leeds 0113 2552 552.
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