Steps to Minimize Weeds in Horse Pastures

The biggest challenge to pasture management is weed control.  Weeds are persistent, seed prolifically, and can spread very quickly.  In general, weeds are less palatable, less nutritious, and lower yielding than the recommended grass species.  Some weeds present in grass pastures are also toxic to our equine friends.  Poisonous plants such as wild cherry, common milkweed, horsenettle, and black nightshade can be harmful, sometimes deadly if consumed.  For more information on plants poisonous to livestock in NC visit: http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/applications/plant_biology/poisonous/

Horsenettle

So, what can you do to minimize weeds from taking over your horse pasture?  Here are a few suggestions that can be incorporated into your pasture management plan.

1.   Avoid Overgrazing- Make sure you are correctly stocking your pasture with the number of horses it can support (trial and error is the best way to determine this number).  Anytime you overstock you are weakening your forage and giving weeds an opportunity to move into any bare spots.

2.      Soil Testing Every 2-3 Years- This is the trick to maintaining optimal nutritional levels that the grass in your pasture needs to be viable.  See your local Extension agent for more information and to obtain soil testing boxes.  When you get your results back, your Extension agent will be happy to help you understand what your pasture may need: phosphorous, lime, potassium, etc.

3.      Resting Pastures- This can be done through rotational grazing.  If horses are always turned out on the same pasture every day with no rest, that is a lot of pressure on the grass to perform all year long.  Some NC pastures are cool-season and some are warm-season, each having an off-season.  Therefore, your horses can do serious damage in the off-season.  If you only have one pasture, consider dividing it in half and resting one side at a time.  You can also develop a dry lot so your horses can spend so many hours off the pasture.  During the rest period you can mow, fertilize, and spray for weeds.

A drylot like the one shown above is a great place
for the horses to go while the pasture is on rest.

Thick, well established forage will win against weeds.  However, you have to be a good pasture manager in order for this to happen.  Weeds can be brought into your pastures in a variety of ways including: birds, air, clothing, equipment, etc.  It is best to have an Extension agent or someone familiar with weed identification to help you to identify the weed(s) you are dealing with to take the best approach in controlling it.

For more information please visit: http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/pasture/grass-pasture-weed-control/