My understanding is that Round-up breaks down fairly quickly, usually within 6 months of application, with a typical half-life of 1-1.5 months. It breaks down primarily into carbon dioxide and inorganic phosphates and does not persist in the soil as a harmful herbicide. That is why it is safe for clearing vegetation well in advance of planting a vegetable garden. It is perceived as a nasty chemical because it is an effective herbicide and therefore, it must be bad, right? But this appears to be based upon a lack of understanding of it's basic chemistry, and a general fear of products coming from big chemical companies. I don't think that the fear is justified by the chemistry behind it.
When used on a stump, concentrations of at least 20% glyphosate should be used and used sparingly due to cost and effectiveness at killing adjacent vegetation. it should be brushed on or sprayed locally as a stream or narrow spray so that use is localized on the stump cutting and not wasted on the surrounding soil. Once the top is covered and some starts to drip down the bark on the sides, then you are done. It should be very safe to use and that is why it is used in most prairie restorations. Unless you are a purely organic idealist, careful use of Round-up or glyphosate equivalents will have benefits that far outweigh any risks. It is one of the most effective solutions and will require the least repeat effort. Paul J. On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 10:00 AM, Edward Frank <[email protected]> wrote: > Beth, ENTS, > > For those who do not want to use pesticides, acetic acid - the active > ingredient in vinegar - may also be applied to the fresh cut stumps. This > may not be as effective as many herbicides, but is not a general toxin and > will work fairly well. > > Ed > > Check out my new Blog: http://nature-web-network.blogspot.com/ (and click > on some of the ads) > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Sharon Hermann <[email protected]> > *To:* [email protected] ; [email protected] > *Sent:* Friday, December 04, 2009 10:51 AM > *Subject:* Re: [ENTS] Mimosa and fire > > If > you are willing to use chemicals to remove your tree/shrub, then cut the > main truck and apply an herbicide specific for woody plants to the > exposed stump. Even with this treatment, you will likely need to keep > an eye on the root stock for 1-2 years and re-apply herbicide as needed. > > -- > Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org > Send email to [email protected] > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en > To unsubscribe send email to > [email protected]<entstrees%[email protected]> > -- Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected]
