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Heavy pressure shows importance of weed control in pastures, raBy J.R. Bell Range Specialist, DuPont Amarillo, Texas Remember all of the moisture we enjoyed from early last spring through mid-summer? It led to excellent corn, soybean and cotton yields for many growers. And we also produced a heck of a weed crop. We had more weed pressure and a broader weed spectrum than I can recall in some time. Musk thistle in particular caused a lot of problems this year. Marestail was bigger and more vigorous nearly everywhere you looked. Other prevalent weeds included Western ragweed and annual broom weed, and we also had more perennial broom weed than usual this fall. As a result, I received more phone calls from people asking about weed control in their pastures and rangeland. We sprayed more acres than we had in two or three years. One farmer mentioned that after he saw the results, he wished he had sprayed even more acres. Years like this clearly demonstrate the value of weed control in pastures and rangeland. A lot of people came back and said they grew two or three times as much grass where they had treated. High Plains growers are diligent to control weeds in cash crops but sometimes don't realize the same problems exist in native pastures and rangeland. The most important thing growers can do, between now and spring, is simply keep an eye on the weather and their fields. Be sure to get out in early spring, around March or April, and see if weed pressure is beginning to build. Small weeds can be controlled much more easily--and economically--than larger ones. Controlling weeds when they are small also keeps them from robbing valuable moisture from forage. In fact, the biggest obstacle to effective weed management in pastures and rangeland, as well as cropland, is letting weeds get too large before they are controlled. Effective treatment begins with proper identification, which can be more difficult when weeds are small. We can count on certain weeds, such as Western ragweed and nightshade species, year in and year out. But at the same time, we also have more problem weeds than ever before. Although the weed spectrum seems to be increasing every year, moisture and growing conditions will determine how much of a problem they will become in the field. Select a good, broad-spectrum herbicide that is effective against the weeds that are most prevalent. A herbicide with more than one mode of action usually is more effective. And more often than not, you will want to apply a herbicide that also provides residual activity. Best wishes for the holiday season and a successful--and weed-free--2008. Date: 11/15/07
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