Tackling St John's Wort with Dung Beetles
Using Dung Beetles instead of the use of Chemicals
Efficiency - LEP23_013_LLCLOOM
The issue
St John’s Wort is a persistent and invasive weed that spreads quickly across grazing landscapes, particularly in areas with depleted or compacted soils. It reduces pasture productivity by competing with desirable grasses and can cause significant health issues in livestock, including photosensitivity and reduced weight gain. Once established, it is difficult and costly to control, often requiring repeated chemical treatments that many landholders wish to avoid for environmental, financial, or management reasons. As the weed continues to expand across affected regions, land holders, including myself, are seeking effective, low-input, and sustainable solutions that address the underlying soil conditions driving its spread.
The solution
In this case, dung beetles naturally appeared in grazing paddocks on my property near Tamworth, NSW, without any formal introduction or project support. Once we noticed their activity, we adjusted grazing pressure to avoid disturbing the beetles and allowed dung to remain on the ground long enough for beetles to utilise it. Their tunnelling and dung burial improved soil aeration, and moisture infiltration. As we notice the soil health improve, pasture growth strengthened and naturally began outcompeting St John’s Wort. This low-cost, chemical-free approach relied entirely on observing natural beetle populations and allowing them to do their work.
The impact
Landholders using dung beetles have reported significant benefits for soil, pasture, and livestock. Beetles bury dung up to 25 cm deep, improving soil aeration, organic matter, and moisture infiltration. This enhanced soil condition supports stronger pasture growth, naturally suppresses St John’s Wort, and reduces the need for chemical spraying. Cleaner dung breakdown also improves animal health by lowering parasite and pest pressure. By working with natural processes, this chemical-free approach boosts whole-farm resilience, enhances pasture productivity, and strengthens livestock performance. Dung beetles provide a low-cost, sustainable, and effective way to improve soil, control weeds, and support farm ecosystems.
Key facts
- Improve soil aeration, organic matter, and moisture retention.
- Healthier soil reduces weed germination, including St John’s Wort.
- Strengthen pasture growth and productivity.
- Reduce need for chemical spraying.
- Cleaner dung breakdown lowers parasite and pest pressure.
- Supports livestock health and overall farm resilience.
- A low-cost, chemical-free, and sustainable land management approach.