The “when” is important when it comes to pasture weed application timing, according to the experts from UF/IFAS.
We have shared advice from UF/IFAS on pasture weed management in our past blogs, like identifying weeds, choosing the right product and rate, calibration, and using additives. The UF/IFAS blog article that shared the advice had one more topic to share: pasture weed application timing. It advised that “Proper timing of herbicide applications is crucial. The right product at the right rate, delivered properly, may still not yield the desired results if the application is not made at the correct time. There are many factors that must be considered in relation to the optimum timing of an herbicide application, unfortunately applicator convenience is very low on this list.” See the advice below on how to get timing right.
Pasture Weed Application Timing Tips
The blog shared these tips for getting pasture weed application right on the money:
- ““Happy” plants are much more effectively controlled with herbicide than are stressed plants. Don’t waste an application during times of drought. Allow weeds time to recover from defoliation or other disturbance prior to spraying. Adequate leaf area is crucial for many common pasture/hayfield products to be effective.
- Be cognizant of preharvest intervals in hay fields, grazing restrictions in pastures, and plant back restrictions on any site where something besides permanent perennial pasture will be grown.
- Consider the maturity of the forage. Some products are only safe to use on established pastures while others can be used during establishment.
- Consider the maturity of the weeds. Younger / smaller weeds are easier to kill than large more mature weeds. There is generally not much point in spraying annual weeds after they have entered the reproductive (flowering/fruit) phase of their life.
- Spraying earlier in the season, before pasture productivity is lost, is generally recommended but there are times when perennial weeds are more effectively controlled with fall applications.
- In the always difficult scenario of managing weedy grasses, timing is often the most effective tool we have to help differentiate which grass species is spared and which is controlled by an herbicide application.”
UF/IFAS Extension agents are a great resource if Florida beef ranchers need assistance with their weed management programs.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.