Getting the Jump Start on “Next Year’s Weeds”

As a general rule of thumb, we tend to worry about weed control when it is to late; to late for noticing the weed, to late when identifying the weed, and to late chemically or physically removing the weed. Also as a general rule of thumb, we livestock producers tend to think of ourselves as just that, livestock producers. We often consider ourselves cattle, horse, meat goat, dairy, pork, chicken, or turkey producers especially on our pasture-based systems. However the fortunate truth of the matter is that we are indeed forage producers. If we can grow and sustain a healthy forage crop for 365 days out of the year, then 99% of the time our livestock animals will take care of themselves nutritionally.

So where does weed control fit into the whole forage producer scheme? Weeds compete year-round with our forages for sunlight, nutrients, and water. While small winter annual weeds look miniscule, harmless, and nearly un-noticeable right now, they are robbing your fescue, orchardgrass, legume, and even your dormant bermuda’s nutrients. In a grass based grazing system, controlling these weeds is very easy and inexpensive. At this point in the growing season these weeds are to small to mow or control physically in an effective manner. However, chemically removing these weeds now is extremely effective and gives your forage a jump start on out-competing these weeds, especially come spring when the forage begins to boom with growth. If you are in a grass based grazing system, then applying 1-2 pints of 2,4D per acre right now would do justice to eliminating the majority of your winter annual/perennial weeds. The advantage of using a 2,4D based pasture herbicide right now is that you completely avoid drift onto row crops, and with applying lower rates of 1 pint per acre you can avoid stunting to any rye or oats overseeded into your pasture. Upping the rate to 2 pints per acre will cause some stunting of overseeded rye and oats, and 2 pints is preferred to be applied onto established fescue, orchardgrass, and dormant bermudagrass. 1 pint per acre of 2,4D will control 90% of your broadleaf weeds if applied to weeds less than 3 inches tall. Weeds controlled by 2,4D are Purple cudweed, Henbit, Chickweed, Wild salad, and Marestail. Be sure to follow labeled rates when applying 2,4D and to include 1 pint of non-ionic surfactant per 100 gallons of water. Also be careful as to read for any re-entry grazing intervals on the herbicide label. Another key point is to apply this herbicide on days of 60 degree weather or warmer for maximum control. If you need help identifying weeds, calibrating a sprayer, or selecting the right herbicide for weed control then contact your local county Extension Agent. Following these steps with winter weed control will allow you a successful head start on next spring’s forage crop.

Seth Holt

Agriculture Agent – Field Crops, Livestock, Aquatics, and Pesticide Coordinator

Lee County

Seth_Holt@ncsu.edu