York County weed superintendent watching for phragmites infestations

YORK – It’s winter, but York County Weed Superintendent Ernie Price is already watching for phragmites infestations.

​He notes how other noxious weeds are not actively growing now – but phragmites infestations can be seen now, even if it is January.
Phragmites is a grass which is found forming dense patches in wet and moderately fertile soils along banks of ponds, lakes, streams, marshes, roads, ditches and in wet fields, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. It is readily eaten by cattle and horses when it is immature. Seeds are eaten by waterfowl and the rhizomes and stems are eaten by muskrats. Redwing blackbirds preferentially nest in common reeds.
The department of agriculture also says, “A dense stand of phragmites out-competes native plant communities and alters the conveyance of water by channelizing the river channels creating vegetated sandbars. Natural river flows can be restricted, thus making the areas susceptible to flooding during high water events.”
The department of agriculture also says stands of phragmites can be suppressed by mowing and/or grazing. “Mowing reduces the plants’ vigor but continuous mowing is necessary to keep the stand in check. Mowing activities produce numerous small plant parts which are capable of resprouting and possibly increasing new shoots. This method should be used for short-term control until more effective methods can be applied. The use of cattle or goats has shown mixed results in containing dense stands of phragmites. Vegetation should be grazed early in the growing season and continually grazed throughout the season. This method can suppress seed production as well as stressing root reserves of the plant.”
Price said he will be doing inspections in the county – and will be using a county vehicle when he does so, in order for people to know why he is there.
“And if someone wants help with identifying noxious weeds or if they have questions, they can give me a call at 402-710-6514 or email me at [email protected],” Price said further.