Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farm and Home

It is once again that time of year to spray pastures and hay meadows for weeds. The most important reason to control weeds is that they reduce the yield of desirable forages.

Weeds are often more aggressive than domesticated forage species and are better able to compete for light, water and nutrients.

The three major factors of effective weed control are identification, proper timing of the herbicide application and calibration of the sprayer.

Weed identification is important, because the type of weed or weeds you have determines what type of herbicide needs to be used. In some cases one herbicide may control all the weeds that are a problem in the pasture. However, in other cases an additional herbicide might be required.

Timing also plays a big part in the effectiveness of weed control. Weeds such as buttercup, ragweed and pigweed need to be treated when they are about two inches tall. Dogfennel (cypress weed) needs to be treated between 6 to 12 inches tall. Mowing will also aid in Dogfennel control. Horse nettle on the other hand should be treated at full bloom.

At least three consecutive years of spraying are needed to control existing horse nettle plants.

Last, calibration is very important when spraying pastures for weed control. By calibrating your sprayer you will know how much spray is being put out per acre. A non- calibrated sprayer will lead to over-spraying or under-spraying pastures.

There are two common types of sprayers used. They are the boom sprayer and the cluster nozzle (boomless) sprayer. The calibration methods are different for both types of sprayers.

By insuring proper identification of the weed, correct timing of the herbicide application and calibration of the sprayer you will have an effective weed control program.

For assistance in any of these areas feel fee to contact the Nevada County Cooperative Extension Service at 887-2818.