Towards reduced herbicide use in forest vegetation management

Abstract

Mechanical, manual, thermal, biological and chemical methods of managing forest vegetation have, to a large extent, been developed independently. The effectiveness and relatively low cost of chemical herbicides, however, have led to systems of vegetation management that rely on their continued availability and the near exclusion of non-herbicide methods for controlling forest weeds. Greater public concern, perceptions of risk, and pressures exerted by some forest certification systems, have increased the need to provide a wider array of alternative methods that can reduce dependence on herbicides. In response, forest vegetation management research has widened to include investigations of alternatives to herbicides, along with initiatives aimed at reducing chemical use. An international review of progress indicates that reduced herbicide use may already be possible in many countries. There are however, a number of commercial, economic and social issues associated with the practical application of this know...