Vegetation survey of Brachypodium pinnatum herbicide control trials at the Martin Down National Nature Reserve (2012-2015)

Trial plots were established at Martin Down (50.975 N, 1.937 W) in summer 2012 on calcareous grassland containing two levels of B. pinnatum cover - ‘dense’ and ‘sparse’. For each level, three experimental blocks were marked out, each consisting of seven plots (each plot =3 m wide x 10 m long). Within each block, each plot was assigned a different herbicide or management application at random.

Five selective (Propaquizafop, Tepraloxydim, Fluazifop-P-butyl, Cycloxydim, Propyzamide) and one broad-spectrum herbicide (glyphosate) were selected on the basis of their efficacy for controlling perennial grasses in agricultural and/or forestry applications. All herbicides were applied evenly across the entire plot.The control experimental management in both sparse and dense areas was a single annual cut in late summer (July-August) with a mechanical mower which removed cut material.

Vegetation monitoring took place in July-September of 2012 (before all herbicide applications to provide a baseline), 2013, 2014 and 2015. Within each plot, vegetation surveys were conducted by placing five 50 cm × 50 cm quadrats at approximately 2 m intervals (i.e. vertices of a “W”-shaped transect through the plot). Quadrats avoided the outermost 50 cm of each plot, where there was an increased potential for spray drift from neighbouring plots. Within each quadrat, the percentage cover of B. pinnatum, all vascular plants and bare ground were recorded. In the first, third and fourth quadrat, all plants were recorded to species level, whilst in the second and fifth quadrat percentage cover was recorded per group level only (grasses and forbs), as a result of limited time and funding for survey. For further details please see the supporting documentation.

Related datasets

Vegetation data from experimental trials to investigate the control of Brachypodium pinnatum at Martin Down National Nature Reserve, UK, 2019-2022