With parts of England officially in drought, Nomix Enviro’s Total Droplet Control (TDC) herbicide application system can save hundreds of litres of water.

East Anglia, the South East and parts of Yorkshire are officially in drought, with the Midlands and the South West also experiencing the impact of the prolonged period of dry weather.

Even with the recent rain in some areas, water is in short supply and hosepipe bans have been introduced by seven water authorities in Southern and Eastern England.  The responsible course of action is to minimise how much water we all use, especially for tasks such as weed control. Nomix Enviro’s unique Total Droplet Control (TDC) herbicides and applicators use no additional water, as they are ready to use.  This means Nomix TDC can save up to 1000 litres of water per hectare. 

Applying herbicides using a conventional knapsack can use between 200 and 1000 litres of water per hectare, dependant on the product. Even if the water volume used is 200 litres per hectare, that is still the equivalent of 133 kettles being boiled. 

Mark Phillips, Nomix Enviro’s Managing Director, comments; ‘Our water comes from rivers and the ground so every drop we use has a direct effect on the environment. It is important that we use water efficiently. Nomix TDC can help dramatically reduce the amount of water used for weed control operations.’

Nomix TDC virtually eliminates spray drift and run-off, significantly reducing the risk of water pollution. Nomix Dual is the only residual acting herbicide approved for use on both hard and soft surfaces.  Delivering targeted application and long-lasting control. 

The water shortage has led to the Environment agency issuing advice on how to best reduce water use. This includes guidance for public sector, which under The Water Act 2003, have a duty to use water efficiently on their premises. For further information please visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

To find out more about the responsible way to spray, please call the Nomix Technical Helpline on 01264 388056 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please click here to download the Nomix TDC brochure.

Please click here to download the Nomix Dual brochure. 

Nomix Dual contains 162 g/l (16.8% w/w) isopropylamine salt of glyphosate (equivalent to 120 g/l glyphosate) plus 2.22 g/l (0.23% w/w) sulfosulfuron. Use herbicides safely.  Always read the label and product information before use. 

Ecoplug Max®: the simple, effective cut stump herbicide treatment, from Nomix Enviro

Ecoplug Max® is a patented herbicide application method for cut tree stump control.  Each plug contains 300mg of granular Glyphosate. 

Trees continue to grow, even after they have been cut down.  New shoots grow from the stumps and roots within just a few months and can result in substantial foliage growth.  Ecoplug Max® is a simple, effective way to kill the root system of the target tree stump, with no effect on surrounding trees. 

This revolutionary product is highly effective, delivering 95-100% control of treated cut stumps.  Ecoplug Max® can be used all year round to control a wide variety of tree species, including; Alder, ash, aspen, beech, birch, cherry, elm, lime, maple, mountain ash, poplar, oak, rhododendron, willow and more.

Ecoplug Max® is extremely safe for both the operator and the environment. There is no risk to the operator from exposure to the herbicide and there are no adverse affects on the environment through incorrect dosage, water contamination through run-off, or spillages from mixing and measuring. 

To find out more about the Ecoplug Max®, or any of our products and services, please call our Technical Helpline on 01264 388056.

To download the Material Safety Data Sheet please click here.

To download the product label please click here.

Ecoplug Max® is a registered trademark of Ecoplug Sweden AB

BASIS Points Articles

Click on the link below to read the first in a series of technical articles, for which you can be accredited BASIS points if you are on the BASIS Amenity Professional Register. 

Once you have read the article, please click on the link at the end to answer the multiple choice questions and you complete your details.  All correct entries will then be credited with 2 BASIS points. The closing date for this article is 17th January 2012. 

Please click here to read the Integrated Pest Management article

New label wording in 2012 confirms blanket spraying unlawful on hard surfaces

New label requirements for herbicides approved for use on hard surfaces have been issued by the Chemicals Regulations Directorate (CRD).  The new ‘directions for use’ wording, to which those applying herbicides are legally required to adhere, will ensure applications are targeted. Continued ‘blanket’ application of products on hard surfaces will be in contravention of product labels, and therefore contrary to UK legislation.

Mark Phillips, Nomix Enviro’s Managing Director comments: “The Regulatory Update issued by CRD is positive news for the amenity industry. It confirms Best Practice requirements when applying herbicides on hard surfaces to target the product, rather than blanket spray. This helps avoid water pollution and protect the environment from over application. It also reduces the amount of product wasted – This helps minimise pesticide use, which complies with the EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides.”

There are three categories of ‘directions for use’ wording, dependant on the mode of action of the particular herbicide:

 a) Products which act only by contact or systemic action via foliar application:

“Apply this product carefully. Ensure spraying takes place only when weeds are actively growing (normally March to October) and is confined only to visible weeds including those in the 30cm swath covering the kerb edge and road gulley – do not overspray drains”.

b) Products which act only in a residual fashion:

“Apply this product carefully. Ensure spraying takes place only to areas of potential weed growth (e.g. gaps between paving stones, kerb edges and road gulleys) and/or a 30cm swath covering the kerb edge and road gulley – do not overspray drains".

c) Products which contain more than one active substance, at least one of which acts by foliar application and at least one of which acts in a residual fashion:

“Apply this product carefully. Ensure spraying takes place only when weeds are actively growing (normally March to  October) and is confined only to visible weeds, areas of potential weed growth (e.g. gaps between paving stones, kerb edges and road gulleys) and/or a 30cm swath covering the kerb edge and road gulley – do not overspray drains”.

Labels must be updated by May 2012 at the latest. There is expected to be a CRD diagram to help explain the method and area of application, which will be included in product information documents.

To view the full CRD Regulatory Update, please click here.