Herbicide use and labor for hand applied control of mesquite: Use this simple method to determine costs of stem application

Mesquite encroachment is a widespread brush problem in Texas. As grasslands are overtaken by mesquite, grazing management is complicated because of reduced forage production and interference with livestock operations. Mesquite control is a perpetual process and ignoring brush encroachment until noxious plants reach unacceptable levels adversely affects stocking rate and range health (7,8). Since the income derived from wildlife has been steadily increasing in Texas, the early practice of fenceline to fenceline broadcast herbicide application or clear-cut bulldozing have deviated toward selective clearing. With selective clearing and emphasis on "Brush Buster" tactics, hand applied herbicide treatments are becoming more acceptable to landowners (5). Stem application of herbicide is a desirable method of mesquite control because this promotes quick removal of brush competition with minimum damage to sod and established native plants. It is also low volume, easy to apply, highly selective, and equipment needs are inexpensive. However, hand applications are labor intensive and a method of estimating herbicide needs and labor requirements for different brush densities and sizes are necessary to assess costs before application.

Herbicide use and labor for hand applied control of mesquite: Use this simple method to determine costs of stem application Academic Article