[tagwex]

I know it is some class of a reed, but what I really want to know is how to get rid of it. This plant has had two sprayings of roundup lately and it didn't bother it at all.

[Silver surfer]

Not a quick solution.
You could try to cover it with black plastic...weighted down by old carpet.
Exclude the light.
It will die completely and permanently...if a reed.

Once dead improve drainage..it must be there as the ground is badly drained.

[tagwex]

I cut them down yesterday so I will try that when it comes up again. I thought roundup killed EVERYTHING. Yes that part of the field is wet. The stalks are hollow if that is any help to you.

[My Potatoes]

It looks like Juncus effususthe, common field rush, or soft rush.
Pull up one of the leaves and see if it's centre has a foam like material; if so it's a rush.
As you're at it, take notice of how smooth and silky the leaf is. This is why the Roundup does not work; the leaf surface is protected and prevents the Roundup from being absorbed.
I don't know what they use, but farmers spray it with a special weedkiller that's very effective. Keeps the rushes down for about five years. If you know a local farmer he may be able to give you a small drop; I doubt you need a large drum as sold in a co-op.

[michelle M]

I'm nearly sure the spray for rushes is MCPA. You need need new growth so if you cut them, let them start to come up again. Or so the brother in law says

[tagwex]

Thanks folks. Stems are hollow my potatoes.

[Silver surfer]

The black plastic works really well even if you have cut away all the top.
It kills the roots too.
We used this method in a boggy area with complete success.

[Margo]

Was the roundup for brushwood as thats stronger. Tumbleweed for brushwood is good

[tagwex]

I don't have that much of it here, 4 or 5 clumps. If it comes up again after being rotavated this week I will use the black plastic. It actually wasn't roundup but something the equivalent of it, asteroid headland, I only said roundup as everybody knows it.