Replacement of Turkey Oak Vegetation with Low-Growing Soil Cover

Abstract

Among 15 different herbicides tested for eradication of Turkey oak (Quercus laevis Walt.) over a period of four years on Lakeland fine sand in Florida, only monuron, diuron, and fenuron at minimal rates of 10 lb/A were effective. One full growing season after application was required for complete kill. Phenoxy compounds gave variable top-kill but not satisfactory control. AMS, dalapon, and four formulations of benzoic acid were ineffective in these tests. Out of 13 different grasses, Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) and weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula Schrad.) were best adapted to these deep sandy soils. Seedbed preparation was essential to obtain a good stand of either. After establishment, the lovegrass vigorously persisted throughout the experiment; the bahia also persisted but the lack of fertilization was extremely evident. Both grasses could be established satisfactorily on soil treated two years earlier with monuron or diuron at 10 lb/A.