Table 2. Chemical Weed Control in Grass Pastures
(Lesson 4. Weed Control in Pastures continued)
Recommendations provided for this course were current at the time of development, but herbicide labels change frequently. Obtain and read the product label, and follow the directions on that document for the conditions at the time of herbicide use. Work with your local UMaine Extension county educator if you have any questions.
| Situation | Amount of Product(s) per Acre | Remarks and Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer annual broadleaf weeds: – Lambsquarters, pigweed, etc. |
2 pt. 3.8 lb./gal. 2,4-D formulation1 or 1/2 pt. Banvel/Clarity |
Apply to small, actively growing plants in spring or early summer. |
| Winter annual and biennial broadleaf weeds: – Shepherdspurse – Common burdock – Spotted knapweed – Bull thistle |
2-3 pt. 3.8 lb./gal. 2,4-D formulation1 or ½ pt. – 1pt. Banvel/Clarity |
Apply to rosettes or other fall growth in fall or early spring. Use low rate for winter annuals and high rate for biennials. |
| Simple perennial broadleaf weeds: – Tall buttercup – Chicory – Dandelion – Curly dock |
3-4 pt. 3.8 lb./gal. 2,4-D formulation1 or 2 pt. Banvel/Clarity |
Apply to rosettes or other fall growth in the fall or early spring. |
| Creeping perennial broadleaf weeds: – Horsenettle – Common milkweed – Leafy spurge – Canada thistle |
4 pt. 3.8 lb./gal. 2,4-D formulation1 + 2 pt. Banvel/Clarity |
Apply after weeds have reached the bud stage in mid- to late summer (before killing frost). |
| Bedstraw plus a wide variety of annual, biennial and perennial broadleaf weeds | 2 qt. Crossbow | Apply to actively growing bedstraw in fall before killing frost. For lactating dairy animals, do not graze or harvest green forage from treated areas for 14 days after treatment or harvest hay until the next growing season. For all other livestock, do not harvest hay for 7 days after treatment. There is no grazing restriction for other livestock. Do not let livestock graze treated grass or consume treated hay at least 3 days before slaughter during the season following treatment. |
| Non-selective Herbicide for grass and broadleaf plants | Touchdown Roundup (per label directions) |
Apply to actively growing plants. Following application, livestock must be removed for 8 weeks before grazing or harvest for forage or hay. If using spot applicator (wiper/wick), livestock must be removed for 14 days before grazing or harvesting for hay or forage. |
1For other 2,4-D formulations, use Table 2 to calculate the amount of herbicide needed per acre.
NOTE: In pastures treated with 2,4-D or Banvel/Clarity, the following must be followed: 2,4-D – Do not graze lactating dairy animals for 14 days after treatment. Remove meat animals from treated areas for 7 days before slaughter if less than 14 days have elapsed since treatment. Do not cut treated grass for hay within 30 days after application. Banvel/Clarity — Do not graze lactating animals for 7 days after treatment up to 1 pt/A, and 21days after 2 pt./A of Banvel. Remove meat animals from treated areas 30 days before slaughter. There is no waiting period between treatment and grazing for nonlactating animals.
When Trade names are used, no endorsement or discrimination against similar products is intended.