A new study from Swansea University has been released which assesses the impacts and economic costs of different Japanese knotweed management and treatment methods. The study was lead by biosciences lecturer, Dr Sophie Hocking, who believes that 'invasive species management and sustainability have never been so important'.
So, what did the study reveal about Japanese knotweed treatment and its effects on the environment?
Methodology
To conduct the study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to assess the environmental impacts associated with the stages of a Japanese knotweed's life cycle. This was to find out the impacts of chemical, and physiochemical, knotweed treatment methods.
To find out the environmental impacts of these methods, the study took the production of materials and herbicides into account to evaluate the sustainability of certain treatments. In addition to this, Swansea University's researchers looked into methods commonly used for knotweed management, such as chemical and physical treatments.
Japanese Knotweed Removal Methods
The Results
Out of all the methods tested, it was revealed that glyphosate-based foliar spray control method used the least materials, had the lowest environmental impact, and had the lowest economic cost.
Due to this, it was confirmed to be the most sustainable approach to tackle knotweed management! Luckily, this is the Japanese knotweed treatment that we use and recommend here at Taylor Total Weed Control.
READ MORE: How to Get Rid of Japanese Knotweed
What is Glyphosate Japanese Knotweed Treatment?
Glyphosate is a translocated herbicide applied via a spray, which is sprayed onto the foliage of the plant. 'Translocated' means that the herbicide can move to the site of action upon application via the plant's internal transport mechanisms.
This may sound like something that anyone can do, but you must be careful not to apply glyphosate to any non-targeted plants and lawns. There are a lot of risks to be aware of when working with glyphosate Japanese knotweed treatment as it can be a harmful chemical when applied in the wrong way.
Due to this, it's better to get in touch with an established Japanese knotweed removal company (such as us!) to kill off your Japanese knotweed effectively.
To get in touch with us regarding knotweed treatment, fill out and submit our contact form below - we'd love to hear from you!
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