Vegetation management in farm forestry: a comparison of alternative methods of inter-row management

Abstract

Forestry Commission and ADAS experiments on the inter-row management of vegetation within wide spaced (3 m between rows) new farm woodlands are described. Strip weeding with mowing proved to be a cost effective method of establishing new woods on fertile lowland former agricultural sites. Sowing kale was also effective, and provided game cover early in a woodland's life. Sowing of a grass-wild flower mix inter-row enhanced diversity, but can be expensive, and seeded species need to be chosen carefully. Maintaining completely weed-free conditions maximized tree growth, but was costly and impractical. However, maintaining around 90 per cent weed-free conditions can be achieved relatively cheaply, although the potential for leaching and soil erosion may be increased. Carrying out no vegetation management significantly reduced tree growth and survival, and is not recommended. Planting trees at closer spacings (2 x 2 m or less) may be a quicker and more reliable means of establishing a woodland environment, within which other objectives can be achieved, if necessary through carrying out an early thinning or respacing regime.