permaculture

["Jerome Osentowski" <jerome@crmpi.org>]

frank,  has no one heard of bio-control for c. thistle.  there at least four
bugs that eat it.  see our video on natural controls for weeds.  on our web
site.  jerome
--
Jerome Osentowski, Director
Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute
PO Box 631
Basalt, CO 81621   U.S.A.

Tel/fax (970) 927-4158    E mail: jerome@crmpi.org

For more information, please visit our web site at <<www.crmpi.org>>


----------
>From: FranksFarm@aol.com
>To: permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org
>Subject: Re: [permaculture] Canadian Thistle Eradication
>Date: Tue, Jun 17, 2003, 3:57 AM
>

> Good day all:)
>
> Like Claude G I'm considering using RoundUp to help control the thistles on
> my pastures.
>
> It's an aggressive plant that seems to grow quite well here in south central
> KY.
>
> At first I tried to control by simply mowing it down before it goes to seed.
> But the underground roots just seem to spread even further. The underground
> root system can be extensive, and usually there's a thick tap root, as well 
> as
> many side roots that thicken with age; support more above ground growth etc.
>
> Now I've been trying to pry up, and uproot same but it's hard labor when
> there are literally a few hundred on these pastures.
>
> I'm also wondering if there are some advantages to having some thistle in
> your field. Do these roots mine the soil, increase aeration etc. I also see
earth
> worms feeding on root systems.
>
> Leaves and stalks are so prickly cattle avoid close contact and pass on
> clovers nearby.
>
> I'd appreciate your comments. Frank
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