Baggs

Perhaps the best definition of a weed is a plant out of place, a plant that is growing where you don’t want it to grow.

This could be in a pasture, garden or lawn. Not all weeds are bad — just undesirable. Like sunflowers in a cornfield are considered weeds to a farmer, Bermuda grass in a vegetable garden is troublesome to the gardener.

Weeds can be grouped into two major categories: grasses and broad leaves. Weeds can compete with pasture grasses for water, nutrients and sunlight. They can also harbor insects and plant diseases. Some weeds are toxic and can cause livestock to become ill or even die.

Weed seeds can remain dormant in the soil for many years, and then germinate when conditions are right.

When weeds appear, control can be achieved by many different methods. Prevention can be accomplished by planting weed-free seed and/or by using a pre-emergent herbicide. In worst cases, eradication of the invasive weed may require complete re-establishment of the pasture. Other control methods involve limited use of herbicides, cultivation, mowing, or maintenance of a vigorous pasture grass that will crowd out weeds.

Mowing weeds with a rotary mower can be risky. It usually causes the weeds to produce leaves closer to the soil. If you decide to mow, it should be done when weeds are in the bud or pre-bloom stage to reduce seed production of the invasive plant.

If herbicide is used, you must first identify the plant that is to be controlled to properly choose the right chemical. Herbicide application rates will vary by weed species and plant maturity. Some herbicides containing 2-4D as the active ingredient require a pesticide applicator license to purchase and apply.

When using chemicals, it is very important to read the label and follow the directions closely to prevent injury to livestock or humans or damage from spray drift. Federal and state law controls the use of restricted and state-limited herbicides. General-use herbicides do not require a license, such as Roundup, Pasture Guard, Cimarron and Redeem, and will do a good job on a select variety of weeds.

Pasture weed control will increase forage production on average of 1 pound for every pound of weeds controlled. This increase can be equivalent to the application of 40 to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre.

The best way to prevent weeds is to maintain a healthy and well-fertilized stand of pasture grass.