N E W S & V I E W S • A P R I L 2 0 2 4 17 In today’s “mindful world”, we are constantly reminded to stop, pause, and observe the visual wonders that autumn heralds, like the changing of the leaves to oranges, rusts, and reds. However, I am not sure how many foresters and farmers have the time to stop and pause, and even if they did, I would question whether the change from green to red would herald enjoyment or fear. For farmers and foresters, the change of season is a clock with the hands constantly moving onto the next operation that needs completing before the winter is in full swing. While the change from moist green leaves to dry oranges, reds and browns is like a warning from nature, alerting us to the impending reality of wildfires and the threat they pose. With the first specks of russets and oranges already peppering the canopy of our indigenous forests, it seems the perfect time for a quick refresher on the preparation of tracer belts. Autumn, a time of tracer preparation As with most management operations, timing is everything if you want the most efficient and effective outcomes. When it comes to preparing tracer belts using plant desiccants that burn off the above ground portion of the vegetation, this means getting them done before the first frosts arrive so the main break can be burnt after the initial frost. It’s a process that sounds simple enough in theory, but in practice requires due diligence and care from start to finish to ensure it is done correctly. Below are some of the steps where extra diligence is required and a pre-tracer belt preparation refresher might come in handy. Step one: find the right product and be part of that decision. When it comes to tracer-belt preparation, the active ingredient you select can leave dramatically different environmental footprints. The perfect example is when comparing the impact of a desiccant – which removes only the above ground parts of a plant – with a nonselective active ingredient like glyphosate that removes the whole plant, roots, and all. Both will enable trace belt preparation, but the plant roots left by the desiccant will help prevent soil erosion and enable the plant to regrow post the fire break burn providing soil cover for the trace belt area. The glyphosate will simply leave a lasting bare-earth scar that will increase the risk of soil erosion and all the knock-on environmental risks associated with this. It’s a reminder that just because some glyphosate products have ‘tracer belt’ registered on the label, it doesn’t mean this is an environmentally responsible solution to the postparaquat tracer belt conundrum. READ the label, consider all the alternatives and be part of the decision-making process. Step two: Never underestimate the importance of calibration. Chemically prepared tracer belts are often confined to the areas that are inaccessible to tractors – mechanical preparation – and are therefore undertaken by knapsack operators. Yet, irrespective of the applicator type, calibration is always key to an effective and efficient application. Beyond determining the quantity of pesticide required, calibration reduces error - the chance of over application, which has costly economical and environmental implications. Autumn, a time for wonder…and somuchmore (Roger Poole – TIPWG Agrochemical Liaison)
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