What are all these implements for??

[Big Hammer]

Admittedly I’m in the dark on how to best proceed with my acquisitions of the 3-point implement(s) that will work best for my desired outcome. I’m probably asking a lot because it seems there are many different methods / tools to accomplish a given task. Here’s what I’m doing:

Ive got about 3.5 acres of untamed property with about 800 feet of creek running throug the middle. I spent the previous two summers and fall months in tearing out mountains of “old growth” blackberry vines. (Very aggressively invasive) Additionally, I’ve recently been inundated with “reed canary grass”, also invasive. (I think it might be related to bamboo; i‘ve seen it over 9’ tall!)

What I want to do is to prepare the ground to plant some sort of perennial grasses, with native plants and trees along the stream for salmon and trout enhancement. (Trees for shade, shrubs and grasses to prevent erosion)

I read an online article that said in order to kill off the invasive plants, the roots themselves (rhizomes) need to be destroyed by a process of exposing them repeatedly to the sun & air. (If you have any tips or further info with your knowledge, please advise)

My plan for this project is to put it back to a more natural state with plantings, and possibly bring in a few goats, or maybe some pasture pigs, both of which will help with grazing the new blackberry shoots that will continue to pop up. There are deer that visit often as well.

My first thought was that I need a rototiller (sized appropriately for my tractor) to get this done. But then I’ve heard that a field disc can accomplish the same thing. And recently the spring tooth cultivator was mentioned as a potential implement.

Can any of you visualize my situation and make any recommendations? Currently I have a landscape rake, rear blade, and brush cutter. I’m trying to decide between a 3 point tiller, disc, or spring harrow. What thinks you, the actual land owners and farmers that have the specific knowledge that I’m seeking?? (My tractor is a B2650 Kubota with a quick attach loader.. 19hp at the PTO)


Thanks in advance for any and all replies, and thanks for reading this long post. This site is awesome because of YOU!

 

[RustyA]

Based on your tractor size and HP I would consider a brush disc? 4-5 ft ones can be found used for a reasonable price. If used in the spring when ground is soft they penetrate pretty well and can break up the root systems. Look at ones with notched rather than smooth discs for breaking up the roots. Don't know if you had considered that yet? Less moving parts maintenance wise especially for buying used.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

How to kill plants with rhizomes type roots??? like bamboo, raspberries, etc... not easy.

If me I would go right to chemicals (sorry tree huggers) if waterway is not a problem. Glyphosate or metsulfuron or Imazipyr work cause they travel through the leaf, into the stem, then get into all the roots killing the plant and the rhizomes. We call it systemic murder of the entire plant and root system. Your local Ag. Rep. can advise what is best / acceptable in your area.

Tilling works but if some roots survive the plant grows again and will again take over the field as they are invasive to natural ground cover and will keep winning out. I fear a mechanical solution will not get as good results for you.

grabbed pic off internet and you can see plant with rhizome has lots of fingers/hairs/etc.... that if not killed will re-grow a new plant. If tilling not done really well I have heard some actually make the problem worse as they spread rhizomes around their fields where didn't exist before.

 

[RobertEH]

Blackberries and Canary grass... sounds like you are in Western WA!

I battled both with a DR mower for a couple years before we moved out. I think if I had stuck with it, it would have eventually removed them. A neighbor kept a pair of horses on part of our land and there were no blackberries or canary grass in the pasture!