As summer progresses, it's essential to address weed problems in pastures to maintain forage productivity and ensure cattle's well-being. Some weeds can be toxic to livestock, while others offer little nutritional value and compete with desirable plants for nutrients and space. Here are five common pasture weed issues and control methods that can be implemented from mid-summer through fall:
- Poison Hemlock: A highly toxic weed with a 2-year life cycle. Spray green rosettes with herbicide in the fall or mow in late spring to prevent seed development.
- Horsenettle: A perennial with thorny stems and green fruit resembling small green tomatoes. Mechanical control includes mowing when flowering and herbicide application during early flowering.
- Cocklebur: A summer annual that reproduces through seeds contained in sharp burs. Apply herbicide before it goes to seed.
- Spotted Knapweed: A short-lived perennial with pink to purple thistle-like flowers. Mowing can help reduce flowering, but herbicides effective on other weeds listed in this article will work for spotted knapweed.
- Hemp Dogbane: A toxic plant that spreads through rhizomes. Mowing followed by chemical treatment during bud stage is most effective.
The first step in weed control is proper identification. Consult resources like the Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri Weed Guide or your local Extension Educator for suitable herbicides and application guidelines. Always follow the label instructions for species, rates, grazing restrictions, and precautions.
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Categories: Ohio, Crops