Managing African lovegrass: Practical strategies for landholders

Do you have African lovegrass on your property?

You may be interested in our field day at Mount Compass on 15 April, where industry experts will showcase real on-ground management activities and provide practical guidance suitable for your property, including using emerging drone technology. Find out more here.

African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is a tussock-forming, summer-active grass that produces thousands of seeds each year. This allows it to spread rapidly and dominate large areas if left unmanaged. For many landholders, it presents a serious challenge - contaminating produce, reducing land productivity, suppressing desirable pasture species, offering minimal grazing value, and increasing fire risk.The good news is that while African lovegrass can feel overwhelming, there are practical and effective management options available. With the right approach, landholders can reduce its impact and improve pasture health over time.

Why African lovegrass is a problem

Understanding the nature of African lovegrass is the first step toward effective control. Its aggressive growth and prolific seeding enable it to outcompete more productive pasture species. Once established, it can quickly take over paddocks, making rehabilitation more difficult and costly.

Its low palatability means livestock tend to avoid it, further allowing the plant to spread unchecked. In addition, dense infestations can create a significant fuel load, increasing the risk and intensity of fires.

African lovegrass is responding strongly to recent rain, particularly in areas that have been burnt in the Tooperang bushfire. While fire can knock down heavy thatch and briefly improve grazing access, it won’t control the weed. In fact, it often comes back thicker and more vigorous. For graziers, this means a short-term feed benefit but a longer-term management problem if left unchecked. The key window is now: as fresh regrowth appears, targeted herbicide application is far more effective and can help prevent further spread across your paddocks. Landholders, particularly those in the Tooperang fire scar, are encouraged to contact PIRSA's assistance program here.

Practical management approaches on private property

Effective management of African lovegrass often requires a combination of strategies rather than a single solution. Key approaches include:

1. Monitoring and early detection

Regular monitoring is critical. Identifying infestations early makes control more achievable and cost-effective. New technologies such as drone mapping can help landholders assess the extent of infestations across entire paddocks.

2. Targeted herbicide application

Herbicide can be an effective tool when used correctly. Spot spraying small or individual plants minimizes soil disturbance.  Herbicides are most effective in combination with healthy, competitive pastures. 

3. Integrated management techniques

Combining herbicide use with other methods - such as pasture improvement and strategic grazing - can lead to better long-term outcomes. No single method is a silver bullet; success comes from a coordinated approach.

4. Controlled Burning (not during fire danger season or fire-ban days)

In some situations, controlled burning may be used as part of an integrated management plan. It can help reduce biomass and improve access for follow-up treatments, though it must be carefully planned and executed.

5. Following a plan

A step-by-step management plan tailored to your region and property conditions is essential. Consistency over time is key to reducing infestations and preventing reinvasion. See our 'Five ways to Effective Weed Control' stewardship guide and action plan here.

Learning from local expertise

One of the most valuable ways to improve African lovegrass management is by learning from others. Regional programs like the African Lovegrass Program and local expertise often provide insights into what works under specific environmental conditions, as well as common challenges to avoid. Connecting with other landholders can also be incredibly beneficial. Sharing experiences, successes, and lessons learned helps build a stronger, more informed community tackling the same issue.

As with many weeds, the key to African lovegrass control is to start early, stay consistent, and make use of the knowledge and support available. If you think you have African lovegrass on your property, see our factsheet or contact your local stewardship officer at Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu.

The African Lovegrass Control Program is funded by the regional landscape levy, the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia through the African Lovegrass – Building Regional Strength for National Impact Program.