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Biological Control
of Kudzu Using Goats on Centennial Campus
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AKA:
Goat Invasion Summer 2003 |
|
Biological Control
of Kudzu Using Goats on Centennial Campus
|
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AKA:
Goat Invasion Summer 2003 |
We are pleased to announce that Centennial Campus will be the site of a research project to test a low cost, environmental-friendly alternative to kudzu control on Centennial Campus using goats as a biological control. Below are details that you may find of interest.
LOCATION:
About ½ acre just to the North of Research IV parking lot and to the East of Capability Drive.PROPOSED SCHEDULE:
- May 21, the temporary fence is being installed.
- May 22, the quantity of kudzu photographed
- June 2, 20 goats brought over from Trenton Road Facility.
- July, Kudzu on other sections of North Creek will be selectively removed using environmentally friendly chemical techniques
- Mid September, goats returned to Trenton Rd facility. The quantity of kudzu photographed
- December/January, stream restoration will begin on North Creek
The control of kudzu is a multi-year effort. We will evaluate the status next spring and offer our recommendations for follow-up control option. If there is a problem with manure or erosion, we will correct problem immediately. With twice daily inspection of the area, we will be able to observe problems quickly.SAFETY OF GOATS:
In case of emergency, contact (in the following order):
M-F (7am-3pm) Heather Glennon (740-1339);
Other times: Public Safety 515-3333, Jean-Marie Luginbuhl (247-5393 cell; 832-1547 home), Bill Knox, manager of Small Unit Education Unit at Trenton Road (851-2940), Vann Cooper, and Superintendent of Trinity Road Farms (851-5330).
The goats will be checked using standard procedures and field book protocol utilized by the goat researchers. The demonstration will be carried out under the direction of researchers who are experts in goats and coordinated with the Vet School small ruminant animal specialist, Dr. Kevin Anderson. The goats and fence will be checked at least twice daily. A detailed schedule with responsible people and checklist will be maintained, with back-up to ensure all goat health and safety checks are made.WATER SUPPLY:
The hose will run in the non-landscaped area parallel to North Creek to behind Research IV. Twice per day, 7 days per week, the hose will be laid out across small back loading dock area and hooked to external water spigot.SIGNAGE:
oBiological Control of Kudzu using Goats
o Please Don't Feed Goats
o Beware - Electric FenceINFORMATION:
NCSU Water Quality Group, 515-3723
Meat Goats & Forage Systems
Crop Science and Animal Science
North Carolina State UniversityUse of Goats as Biological Agents for the Control of Unwanted Vegetation
The Science House has written an article on this project.
Click here to read.
NCSU Water Quality Group
