To get the most benefit from your pasture weed spraying, Dow AgroSciences weed scientists offer these six tips.

2 Min Read
6 Tips  For Cost-Effective Weed Control
<p>Custom application can save you time and labor. Otherwise be sure to calibrate your sprayer.</p>

Herbicides are most cost-effective when used at the right rate at the right time. To get the most benefit from your pasture weed spraying, Dow AgroSciences weed scientists offer these six tips.

1. Identify the weed problem. Your choice of herbicides and recommended application rates will vary by weed species and timing. For most broadleaf weeds, GrazonNext® HL herbicide will be the cost-effective choice, but Chaparral™ herbicide controls some species – including Pensacola bahiagrass and many species of brush – that GrazonNext HL does not.  Consult your dealer or Dow AgroSciences representative for a specific, local recommendation matched to your situation.

2. Use a calibrated sprayer or a professional applicator. Calibration prevents boththe waste and expense of over-application, and reduced control from under-application. It's the only way to get both the result you want and your money's worth. Don’t guess.

3. Spray at the right time with the right rate. Annual weeds in pastures are generally most susceptible early in the season when they're small and growing actively, and soil moisture is adequate. Using GrazonNext HL or Chaparral at their highest labeled rates will provide longer soil residual activity to control weeds that germinate after spraying. You can get several weeks control of many weed species.

4. Recognize that drought-stressed or mature weeds will be more difficult to control.  Effectiveness will be reduced if weeds don't have adequate moisture and aren't growing. Mature weeds have already limited your grass production. Don't spray unless you're willing to increase the rate within the labeled range or accept less control.

5. Follow label directions for application and mixing. For ground broadcast, apply the recommended rate of herbicide in 10 to 20 gallons of total spray mixture per acre. Use the recommended rate of an agricultural surfactant to thoroughly wet the foliage. Consider a drift-control additive to reduce drift and improve deposition.

6. Remember soil residual activity and plant residue. While GrazonNext HL and Chaparral may provide season-long control of weeds in permanent grass pasture, they should not be used on cropland or on land to be rotated to crops. Remember too, grasses treated with any soil residual herbicide may carry herbicide residue that can be transferred to the soil by hay, livestock manure or urine. Be sure to read and observe all label precautions.

 

Other helpful resources:

Winter Treatment To Help You Get A Jump On Spring Brush Control

Pasture Clover: When Do You Sacrifice Clover For Weeed Management?

Which Thistle Do You Spray For Best Return On Investment?

How To Prevent Death Loss From Toxic Weeds

Quick Steps To Help Pastures Recover From Drought

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