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An assessment of the bracken problem in relation to hill farming in Scotland
Author(s) -
Birnie R.V.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
soil use and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.709
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1475-2743
pISSN - 0266-0032
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-2743.1985.tb00657.x
Subject(s) - bracken , environmental science , ecology , biology , fern
. The reasons for bracken encroachment in Scottish hill land are examined. The cost effectiveness of bracken control methods are discussed and it is shown how the real cost of aerial spraying, the most practical method, has increased in the last decade. The waiving of the follow‐up requirements under the DAFS grant schemes may alter this cost situation in the future. The need for more accurate estimates of the extent of the bracken problem is highlighted by the possible link between bracken and cancer in humans. Recent surveys utilizing remote sensing techniques are described and the cost of a full bracken eradication programme is estimated to be c. £80 million which is contrasted with the current level of grant assistance of c. £135 000 a −1 . The use of bracken as biofuel is considered as an alternative to eradication.