Controlling rushes on your farm

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Published 2018-10-19

Grassland in Scotland has seen a significant increase in rush infestation with rushes establishing in fields where there has not been a problem in living memory. During 2017 we hosted an event in Ayrshire based on winning the battle against rushes in upland systems, where we looked at the different management options available to farmers to control rushes.

This video revisits the site of that meeting and hear from agricultural consultant Robert Ramsay and the host farmer Jimmy Ireland, what treatments were used and what the results are a year later. For more information about last year's event read the event summary which is available on our webpage at www.fas.scot/?p=5590

We've a Technical Note about the Control of Rushes available to download at www.fas.scot/downloads/tn701-control-of-rushes/

All Comments (14)

@ronnieg6358 3 years ago

I've found cutting and spraying the regrowth 2 weeks later works quite well. Spraying 50% MCPA with 50% 2-4 D.
@anachronisticon 3 years ago

Willow trees will provide fodder/shelter and help reduce excess moisture.
@cathalsurfs 2 years ago

C'mon lads... Is there any options that exclude spraying poisonous shit on your land?
@CORRIGEEN71 4 years ago

Drainage, and lime only works long term
@charlesboffey-rawlings217 3 years ago

What concentration did you put the Kyleo at? Was it any better than straight Glyphosate at 10-20%?
@ultrasteve9031 3 years ago

Thanks for the video. What is the glyphosate/water dilution rate when weed wiping? I heard 1 litre Gly to 2 litres water. Is this right as it sounds a bit strong?
@jonanthony6078 4 years ago

Any natural methods
@TomClifford-pe8lo 4 months ago

The best method of controlling rushes is to do something.All methods work to a greater or lesser extent you just have to get out there and do it.Also that type of land needs a bit of tlc and remember you will only control rushes not eliminate them.
@RJ-xv1nh 3 years ago

I'm guessing as they don't have thin leaves, rushes aren't all that efficient at photosynthesis. Best option is to shade them out by repeatedly letting the grass grow for hay. Or if you're grazing, plant plenty of trees. Glyphosate is not a great idea
@Paul-fc3zl 4 years ago

It wants draining
@costinm22 5 years ago

What about the environmental costs of using glyphosate-based herbicides?
@michaelosullivan1394 5 years ago

poisoning the water supply
@alanirwin5230 3 years ago

Don't graze as heavy, top them and after a few years they shouldn't grow as bad.