Premium
A mathematical modelling approach to the study of the economics of controlling Rumex obtusifolius in grassland
Author(s) -
DOYLE C. J.,
OSWALD A. K.,
HAGGAR R. J.,
KIRKHAM P. W.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
weed research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-3180
pISSN - 0043-1737
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3180.1984.tb00587.x
Subject(s) - grassland , competition (biology) , population , rumex , agroforestry , agronomy , biology , ecology , demography , sociology
Summary Synthesizing data from several sources, a simplified mathematical model of dock ( Rumex obtusifolius ) reproduction, growth and competition with grass has been constructed. Using the model, an attempt has been made to study the short‐ and long‐term economic implications of controlling dock infestation in a grassland conservation system by use of the herbicide asulam. The sensitivity of the results has been tested in respect of assumptions about the efficacy of asulam in controlling docks and the economic values attached to grass and dock dry‐matter production. However, given the large number of assumptions necessitated by the limited availability of data and in the absence of any means of validating the model, extreme care is needed in interpreting the results. Nonetheless, while the model cannot be used to derive practical recommendations it can and does provide some useful insights into herbicide control of docks. However, confident economic predictions of the value of controlling docks in grassland await further experimental work on the population dynamics of docks, the factors influencing the effectiveness of herbicides and the nutritive value of docks.