Rainy springs can keep many producers out of the crop fields for days at a time. This provides a great window of opportunity to get out into pastures, take a look at the current weed pressure, and begin implementing management tactics to get weeds under control.
Early spring weed control, many times, begins with herbicide applications to remove the unwanted species. However, it is important to consider why that weed has established in the pasture system and what additional steps through the growing season will need to be made to work on decreasing the weed populations in the system.
A popular control method is the use of herbicide applications, which should be applied while the weeds are actively growing, but before bolting or seed production occurs. However, herbicide usage can become limited in a mixed stand. Another option for weed control is the use of mowing or clipping. When these tactics are used in a timely manner prior to reproductive phase, it can help to reduce the number of weed seeds in the seed bank of that field. Multiple passes may need to be made throughout the growing season as this does not directly kill the plant but reduces the potential of seed production and their ability to overwinter.
Weed management in pastures should be looked at as a multi-step system that’s never quite finished. There are many ways we can combat those pesky weeds all growing season long.
Here is a short checklist to help work through early spring weed control in pastures:
- Ensure correct weed identification.
- There are online tools available as well as field guides to help with this.
- Determine the weed life cycle. Is it an annual, biennial, or perennial? This impacts how we approach management.
- Understand why the weeds are there.
- Pastures that have thin stands of desired forages are more susceptible to having weed pressure throughout the system. Considerations for interseeding new forage species may need to occur, working towards revitalizing the health of the pasture and compete against the weed populations.
- Analyze the overall health of the stand. A great way to do this is to utilize the NRCS Pasture Condition Score Sheet.
- Implement appropriate management tactic(s).
- Chemical - Can utilize an over the top, whole field application or spot spraying.
- Cultural - Avoid overgrazing and use competitive forage species.
- Mechanical - Mowing and prescribed burning can be effective options.
- Biological - Lesser used tactic with higher costs and risks associated with its success.
- Read through this short article as it walks through each of these management tactics more thoroughly.
- Prevent future weed growth.
- Perform soil tests on a regular basis, approximately every 3-5 years, and fertilize appropriately. Consider the nutrient requirements of the system, as pastures that are hayed will need more fertilizer as it is a complete removal system whereas pastures have nutrient recycling by the grazing livestock.
- Don’t treat and walk away. Applying management tactics will not eliminate the weed population from the pasture forever. Continue scouting and applying the necessary management tools for weed-free pastures.
Healthy, green, weed-free pastures are a welcome sight from spring to fall. Be sure to stay active in management practices to help keep them this way!
