The Variable Responses of Bracken Fronds to Control Treatments in Great Britain

Abstract

We describe six experiments set up at four regional locations in Great Britain, in 1993 and1994, to examine the impact of control treatments on bracken and associated vegetation. Present discussion is limited to the effects of treatments on bracken frond variables (density, length and dry mass). These variables would be used by a land manager to judge the extent of infestation and the efficacy of control methods. Results of statistical analyses are reported for the period 1994 to 1998, inclusive. The treatments showed great variability in effectiveness between both sites and years. Great inter-regional differences were seen, but stands at sites within a short distance of each other also varied in their response to treatment. Meso-and micro-climatic differences are suggested as possible causes, together with stand growth phase and genetic effects. The most effective treatments in the short-term were found to be combinations of cutting and herbicide spraying, applied once. Annual cutting usually gave a better result in the longer term. All treatments had greatly improved effects when combined with a follow-up application of herbicide several years after commencement. A number of recommendations are given for management, such as best methods for short-and long-term results. Systematic monitoring is urged as changes in frond density, for example, may reveal the extent of the problem for control at a particular site.

Competing conservation goals, biodiversity or ecosystem services: Element losses and species recruitment in a managed moorland–bracken model system

“…The effectiveness of control treatments on bracken performance and restoration treatments on vegetation development have been reported elsewhere (Marrs et al, 1998a, b;Le Duc et al, 2000, 2007. Here, we report the results of an experiment in a dense bracken stand where experimental bracken control has been combined with heathland restoration treatments at a site in the Peak District of the UK.…”

“…The full experimental protocol is detailed in Le Duc et al (2000Duc et al ( , 2003, so only a resume´is given here. The experiment used a split-split plot design with three replicate blocks (each 70 Â 60 m).…”

Variation in aboveground biomass and necromass of two invasive species in the Atlantic rainforest, southeast Brazil

“…Replicated, multi-site experiments to test and develop methods of control for both species are sorely needed (e.g. Le Duc et al 2000).…”

Agronomic methods for mountain grassland habitat restoration for faunistic purposes in a protected area of the northern Apennines (Italy)

“…Cox et al (2008) highlighted the importance of cutting twice a year to maintain the prolonged effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, the adoption of regular programmes of maintenance are strongly encouraged for an efficient and long-lasting recovery of areas encroached by bracken (Pakeman et al 2002), once the control operations are accomplished (Le Duc et al 2000b). …”