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Sodium TCA for Control of Grasses

Undoubtedly quack grass, Bermuda grass and Johnson grass are some of the most unwelcome weeds around a conifer nursery. These grasses have deep heavy roots and are almost impossible to eradicate either by previously known chemicals, by machinery, or by hand. Any small-portion of the root that breaks off and remains in contact with the soil will start growing again even during dry weather. A fairly new chemical, known as Sodium TCA (sodium trichloroacetate), introduced a few years ago by the Dow Chemical Company has given promising results for the control of these grasses. Sodium TCAs does not sterilize the soil as will other herbicides previously used on the control of grasses, such as ammonium sulfamate or atlicide. The chemical is a powder readily soluble in water and is applied as a soil and plant drench. It can be applied any time from early summer to late fall prior to heavy frosts.


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Author(s): James B. Augenstein

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 4 (1951)