Integrated Interim Report 2019 – Germany needs a strong rail system

Environmental

Natur conservation

Research project on glyphosate alternatives

We hope to stop using glyphosate in the future. Working together with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (Bundesminis­teriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit; BMU) we intend to set up a research project to find effective ways to operate the 33,000 km track network without glyphosate in a way which is both environmentally friendly and safe.

So far, there is still no usable alternative to glyphosate which could be used nationwide. We will therefore intensify our search for and testing of alternative chemical and chemistry-free processes. The chemical sector is focusing on so-called bioherbicides. Three alternative methods are currently being evaluated for the chemistry-free processes in the areas of hot water, electric weed burners and UV-C light.

All procedures are to be considered in cooperation with regulatory agencies and universities in terms of their im­­pact on plants and track infrastructure.