If there is no chemical control labeled for a particular weed or if weeds are too mature, mowing may be your only choice for decreasing competitiveness. Mowing does have negatives: it increases fuel costs, it may not help with large weeds, and it can spread seeds around, encouraging more weed growth. Mowing is usually more effective on broadleaf weeds than grass weeds. Mechanical control usually involves mowing to control weeds.Graze or mow at the proper height, and do not cut or mow too short. In rotational grazing systems, animals will often consume weeds they would avoid in continuous grazing systems. Rotational grazing helps to control weeds by giving desired plants the opportunity to rest and grow undisturbed before being grazed again. This control allows desired plants to become strong and outcompete the weeds. Grazing management is one way to control weeds in a pasture situation.The effectiveness of control methods depends on timing. Once you are sure soil fertility and pH are correct, use the four control methods below in combination to fight weeds. Fertilizing to improve soil pH and fertility maintains grass stands and decreases weed competition. This is why certified seeds are recommended.Ĭultural control increases the competitiveness of forage. When you buy seed, make sure you are getting the best seed for your money. Weeds can also be introduced when you plant grass seeds that are contaminated with weed seeds. Many weeds are spread by seeds that are dispersed by hay bales, plants that reach maturity, livestock movements, mowing equipment, wind, water, and wildlife. Prevention is any activity that keeps weeds from getting into your pasture. Some weeds may take a few years to get under control. This will help you determine whether your control program is working. Keep a record of the weeds you have in each field and when you start seeing them. A good time to assess your fields is between seasons and about 1 week after cutting or grazing. Identify all the plants and seedlings at each site. Take time to walk through your fields and scout at least 10 to 15 sites in a field. The first step in weed control is identifying the weed or weeds you have, which will allow you to determine whether they need to be controlled. For these reasons, weed control is very important. Weeds can reduce hay yield and quality, and they can interfere with hay drying. Weeds also have the potential to cause injury or death to livestock if the weed plants are toxic. New volunteer species can mean more and better pasture forage, or it can mean losses of forage quality and yield. In pastures and hayfields, it is impossible to have a “pure” stand of grass there will always be plants that volunteer from the seedbank or from neighboring fields. Why Identify Weeds? Skip to Why Identify Weeds?Ī weed is a plant growing in a place where you do not want it to grow.
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