Broad-leaved dock crowds out forage plants, reduces forage quality and quantity, and has a high potential for spreading via rhizomes and seeds. There are, however, several preventive measures that can be taken to rein in this weed.
A European team headed by Agroscope looked for risk factors responsible for the occurrence of broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius). A similar picture emerged in the three participating countries of Slovenia, the UK and Switzerland: an open sward, high soil phosphorus and potassium content and soil compaction increased the risk of broad-leaved dock infestation.
Prevention is possible
Adapting fertilisation to the needs of the forage plants, minimising soil compaction and promoting dense, competitive swards are measures that support prevention. In any event, dock seed formation should be prevented, since the seed bank can produce continuous seedling recruitment. Agroscope is also working on control methods without the use of synthetic chemical agents, although these approaches are not yet ready to be implemented in practice.
