As fall approaches, many consider spraying pastures for weed control a distant memory and simply wait until the following spring to do so. Yet, the fall is actually a great time to spray perennial, biennial, and annual weeds; plus, this proactive practice offers a strong return on investment.
Many have not taken advantage of spraying broadleaf weeds in the fall. Most wait until spring and summer, as this is the conventional standard to start weed control applications. Spraying broadleaf weeds in the fall is a proven practice and sets grazing pastures up for success. As perennial weeds start preparing themselves for winter months, they begin to store food (energy) in their roots and rhizomes. This means, the perennial plant is taking in and down (translocation) energy reserves to replenish what was used for its previous reproductive cycle and to prepare these energy reserves for its next growth cycle. This makes spraying in the fall much more appealing, as the plants take in their energy, they take with them the herbicide as well. Therefore, spraying in the fall offers a more consistent control to perennial weeds. Using herbicides such as Gunslinger AMP, Gunslinger P+D, Cleargraze, and Grassmaster, can offer you long-term control in your grazing pastures against perennial broadleaf weeds.
Spraying broadleaf weeds in the fall results in many benefits to pasture health and your return on investment. Other ways to make a positive impact include:
- Scout your pastures.
Scouting your pastures is simply walking in your field to see what is present. What is the physical condition of forage, soil, and weeds that should not be there? Identify the weeds, so an accurate recommendation can be prepared. If you have recently mowed your pastures, give the area time for healthy regrowth. This also applies to your broadleaf weeds. You want the broadleaf weeds to have visible healthy foliage so effective translocation can take place. After mowing, the amount of time to wait before spraying is approximately 14-20 days.
- Apply your herbicide.
After identifying the weed species that will negatively impact your pasture productivity, using the correct herbicide is important. What is recommended is the use of a residual herbicide (Gunslinger AMP, Gunslinger P+D, Prescott) for optimal weed control. Not only will the plant translocate the herbicide as it stores its energy reserves, but the roots will also take in the herbicide by root uptake within the soil. This way, the plant is controlled from two directions: in and down by translocation and in and up by root uptake. You will want to apply the herbicide while the daytime temperatures are in the 50 degrees plus range.
Weed species typically controlled during a fall application are biennial weeds such as musk and plumeless thistles, poison hemlock, teasel, and common mullein. Perennial weeds are Canadian thistle, dandelion, curly dock, and plantain species. Even winter annuals such as buttercup, henbit, and purple deadnettle, can be controlled with a fall application.
- Manage your forage.
Fall application is beneficial to your forage grazing program, but it does not mean your forage management can be neglected or relaxed. Typically, when weeds are controlled, your forage will have an elevated growth response. This is seen because the weeds you spray are dying and no longer stealing the valuable nutrients your forage needs. Where weeds once were present, before an herbicide application, valuable forage is now growing. This gives you a proactive stance before winter forage dormancy and into the coming spring when forage starts green-up, or actively growing, giving you an advantage with spring grazing.
For more information about fall herbicide applications or Gunslinger AMP, visit Alligare.com to find your local Range & Pasture ally.
