Herbicidal effects of wood vinegar on nitrophilous plant communities

Abstract In Europe, and many parts of the world, the number and variety of animal species on farmland is in marked decline. There is a need to search for alternatives that are safe for the environmental and are effective in controlling weeds. Wood vinegar from biomass pyrolysis may be an alternative for herb control. In this study, Wood vinegar (WV) pH, moisture content, and composition were analyzed, with subsequent assessment of the effects of WV on nitrophilous plant communities under natural conditions. The following three treatments were used: WV dissolved in water to form 25 vol% and 50 vol% dilutions and undiluted WV (100 vol%). The results showed a greater than 70% decrease in biomass at 7 days after WV application in all treatments. At the end of the sampling period (day 42), the plots treated with WV had four‐times less biomass than the controls. No significant differences were observed among different treatments, thus indicating that a 25% dilution may suffice for use as an herbicide. However, this concentration also produced the highest variability in results. The area cleared by the affected species was colonized by perennial species. At the end of the sampling, 80% of the area of the treated plots was occupied by perennial species, whereas this percentage was 30% in control plots. Electron micrographs showed that the epidermis of the treated plants was severely affected within a few hours of the treatment, particularly of the stomatal cells. The most affected species were those with smooth leaves without protective structures and those with lighter stems and leaves. The good herbicidal performance of WV notwithstanding, regulations must be clarified for its use as an herbicide.