Spring has returned and with grass once again growing, now is the time for farmers to turn their attention to grassland weed control.

Grassland weed control can sometimes be overlooked, but if ignored, it can potentially decrease grass yields and quality.

In addition to this, certain grassweeds can be poisonous to stock in high enough quantities.

We spoke to Chris Maughan of Whelan Crop Protection to discuss the best strategies for controlling grassland weeds this spring.

Listen to the interview below:

Listen to "Grassland weed control - now is the time to get it right" on Spreaker.

Docks

Docks are one of the most bountiful grassland weeds in the country and can be a challenge to control and eliminate.

It’s worth reminding readers that just one mature dock plant can produce up to 60,000 viable seeds a year. These seeds can remain viable in soil for 50 to 70 years and germinate when conditions of light and soil temperature are ripe.

As far as nature is concerned, docks are an excellent example of a resilient species.

The best dock control is achieved when they are actively growing and transporting nutrients down into the crown and the roots.

If the plant has moved to the reproductive stage, then, if possible, cut or top the weeds and wait for regrowth before applying chemical.

Use of herbicides based on dicamba, triclopyr and fluroxypyr (eg Dockstar Pro, Ban Dock) will give season-long control of docks plus a wide range of common grassland weeds. These are not clover safe, so use products like Eagle or Prospect.

Rushes

The humble soft rush is another example of a success story in nature.

Its thin, pointed structure, thick waxy surface and ability to thrive in wet soils makes it a problem for many grassland farmers.

The soft rush can be controlled with MCPA, 2,4-D or glyphosate, applied when growing conditions are good.

Strong or dead rushes should be topped and allowed to regrow before spraying.

Weed wiping with certain glyphosate products has its advantages when the product is being applied only to the target plant.

However, it’s worth noting that correcting field pH and fertility, as well as improving drainage, will provide better longer-term control.

Thistles

Creeping thistle is the most common weed of the thistle family and spreads though creeping stolons and by wind-blown feathery seeds. Herbicides containing 2,4-D, MCPA and dicamba can reduce top growth, but for longer-term control, use products like Thistlex, Pastor Trio or Forefront T. Always follow the instructions on the label.

Ragwort

Ragwort is poisonous in both the green and preserved state. Hand pulling is effective, but for larger numbers, sprays containing as MCPA, 2, 4-D and Dicamba, or products like Forefront T, can provide good control. The best time to spray ragwort is before the flower stem elongates.

Dandelions

Dandelions are primarily spread by seed and can establish in high numbers if left uncontrolled.

In small amounts, products containing MCPA or 2, 4-D can help check them.

Longer-term control requires products containing aminopyralid, fluroxypyr or dicamba. Once again, always follow the instructions on the pack.

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