Abstract
Several measures are commonly suggested to control meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale L.), a poisonous weed well adapted to extensive management, but clear experimental evidence is not available for all of them. For this reason, the effect of two mechanical methods (early cut, rolling with a spike roller) in combination with fertilization (present/absent) and oversowing (present/absent) was investigated in a four-year field trial at two mountain permanent meadows. An average efficacy of 15% in reducing plant density was found following three consecutive treatments with an early cut, while rolling had virtually no effect on it. An early cut resulted also in a rapid decrease over the years of plant fresh weight and the proportion of fertile plants of Colchicum. No effect was detected for fertilization and oversowing. In order to achieve a strong reduction of Colchicum density, an early cut needs to be applied over a long time.