Tebuthiuron granular herbicide: A solution for woody weed control in Australia

Among the wide range of herbicides available in Australia, tebuthiuron stands out as an effective solution for controlling woody weeds. This herbicide is widely used across Australia because of its ability to target deep-rooted, perennial woody plants while minimising the impact on grass and pastures. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how tebuthiuron works to eradicate unwanted woody weeds, how to apply it effectively, and best practices for its use as part of a broader land management strategy. 

What is tebuthiuron? 

Tebuthiuron is a broad-spectrum, soil-applied herbicide designed to kill a wide range of woody plants, as well as some herbaceous species. It is a urea-derived herbicide and works by inhibiting photosynthesis in susceptible plants, thus slowing and eventually stopping their growth. Once applied to the soil, tebuthiuron is absorbed by a plant’s root system and moves upwards into the foliage, disrupting the plant’s ability to convert sunlight to energy.

Why control woody weeds?

Woody weeds are a persistent problem in many parts of Australia, including central, western, and north Queensland, western New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. In all of these areas, grazing on native pastures is a primary industry, and the encroachment of woody weeds can significantly reduce available forage.

Because woody weeds will outcompete grasses for light, water, and nutrients, the impacts are significant – reduced pasture productivity, limited livestock movement, and degradation of the surrounding landscape – so it’s important to get them under control quickly and for good.

 

Why use tebuthiuron granular herbicide to control woody weeds? 

In areas such as these, tebuthiuron can be used not only to control woody weeds, but also to improve overall pasture health by reducing competition for resources.

There are a number of reasons to consider tebuthiuron over other herbicides: 

• Range of targeted species: Tebuthiuron’s effectiveness in controlling tough, deep-rooted woody weed species like acacias, belah, brigalow, eucalypts, gidgee, mimosa pigra, lantana (suppression only), and other invasive shrubs have made it a valuable tool for graziers and land managers alike.

• Minimal impact on surrounds: A key reason tebuthiuron is favoured for woody weed control is its ability to kill invasive species without severely affecting its surroundings. This is because of its mode of action – because tebuthiuron is soil-applied, it is mainly absorbed by the deep-rooted plants it targets, and its impact on shallow-rooted grasses is minimal. 

• Easy application: In Australia, tebuthiuron is available in granular formulations for easy, targeted application. It is marketed under several brands including Graslan, Tebulex, OzCrop, Sabakem, Outlaw, and Titan.

• Reduced labour costs: Tebuthiuron granules can be easily applied using aerial or ground equipment, making it practical and effective to apply to large, hard-to-reach areas.

• Long-lasting control: Tebuthiuron can be applied at any time throughout the year. Treatments become effective after sufficient rainfall.

• Little to no need for retreatment: Once applied, tebuthiuron will offer up to several years of control, reducing the frequency of herbicide application and saving landowners time and money in the process. 

Application methods for tebuthiuron granular herbicide 

Tebuthiuron granular herbicides can be applied using two different methods, depending on the size of the area, the density of weeds, and the terrain. 

Aerial application of tebuthiuron

Aerial application is the most common method for applying tebuthiuron in extensive grazing and rangeland areas. Helicopters, drones, and planes equipped with spreaders distribute the granular herbicide evenly over the infested area. This method is especially useful in remote or rugged areas with limited ground access. 

Key advantages of aerial application

• Quick and efficient coverage of large areas
• Cost efficacy when treating extensive infestations
• Reduced labour costs compared to manual application 

Ground application of tebuthiuron

For smaller areas or when precision is required, tebuthiuron granules can be applied manually or by using a ground-based spreader. This method permits targeted application around individual plants or for small patches of woody weeds. Ground application is ideal in situations where selective treatment is necessary, such as when woody weeds are growing near desirable vegetation. 

Key advantages of ground application

• More precise herbicide placement
• Replaces aerial application in sensitive areas 
• Easy spot treatment of isolated infestations 

Precautions for using tebuthiuron

While tebuthiuron is highly effective at controlling woody weeds, it’s essential to understand that it is not suitable for all situations. Its long-lasting residual activity in the soil means it can impact non-target vegetation, especially if used improperly. 

There are a few major areas to avoid when using tebuthiuron herbicides:

1. 1. Sloped land: Tebuthiuron use should be limited to a maximum 11-degree slope, as anything steeper can cause the product to shift in the soil and cause significant damage to surrounding areas.
   2. Watercourses and wetlands: Tebuthiuron should not be applied near watercourses, wetlands, or other sensitive aquatic environments. This herbicide is highly mobile in sandy and loamy soils, which increases its risk of leaching into nearby bodies of water. Even small concentrations of tebuthiuron can have dire impacts on aquatic ecosystems. 

• High rainfall areas: In areas that receive a lot of rainfall, the risk of tebuthiuron leaching into non-target areas increases. This can cause the herbicide to move through the soil profile faster, potentially affecting desirable plants and contaminating water sources. 

• Native vegetation and conservation areas: While tebuthiuron tends to have a minimal impact on its surroundings when applied correctly, it is still non-selective, which means it can affect any plant species that absorbs it. So, it should not be used in areas where the preservation of native vegetation is a priority. Its long residual life also means it can kill desirable plants over time, particularly those with deep root systems that are more susceptible to taking up the herbicide.

• Agricultural crops: Avoid applying tebuthiuron near agricultural crops, as it can drift or leach into crop fields. Its long-lasting effects could impact your crop yields for up to several years, so always take care during application. 

Learn more about applying tebuthiuron safely and effectively.

Best practices for applying tebuthiuron

To maximise tebuthiuron’s effectiveness while minimising risks to non-target plants and environments, consider these best practices. 

• • Conduct soil testing: Conduct soil tests to ensure that tebuthiuron is a suitable treatment option for your chosen area. Soils with high organic matter or clay content can bind the herbicide, reducing its efficacy, while sandy soils will increase the risk of leaching. 

• Establish buffer zones: To reduce the risk of contamination, establish buffer zones around sensitive areas like watercourses, wetlands, and conservation areas when using tebuthiuron. 

• Time your application effectively: Tebuthiuron is most effective when applied during periods of active growth. Late winter and early spring are often the best times to apply tebuthiuron, as this is when woody weeds are actively growing and are most susceptible to herbicide uptake. 

• Follow label instructions: As always, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding application rates and methods. Over-application will increase the risk of environmental contamination and damage to non-target species. 

Tebuthiuron granular herbicide is a powerful tool for controlling woody weeds in Australia’s rangelands and grazing areas due to its long-lasting residual activity in the soil and practical application options. However, careful planning and responsible application are essential when using tebuthiuron to avoid unintended environmental impacts. By following best practices, tebuthiuron can be used safely and effectively to control woody weeds and maintain healthy, productive land.

 

Shop tebuthiuron granular herbicide now from Specialist Sales, your go-to, Australian-owned agricultural supplier. Need specialist advice? Text us on 0481 074 770!