|
Both common ragweed, which is an annual, and western ragweed, which is a perennial, can be held in check using similar methods. Still, common ragweed is controlled more easily with grazing management or herbicides than western ragweed.
Research and observations both show that ragweed problems are worse in pastures that fail to maintain grass competition with a full leaf canopy during late May through late June. If you had ragweed problems in recent years, look for tiny plants or seedlings underneath your grass during the next couple of weeks. Heavy grazing or haying during this time opens up the grass sward, letting seedlings and small plants grow rapidly.
Any management that develops and maintains a dense canopy at this time helps reduce problems with ragweed. This includes increasing grass growth with fertilizer and thickening stands by seeding. Most importantly, you should avoid heavy grazing in areas known to have ragweed. If you do graze heavily or cut hay, spraying herbicides like 2,4-D, Grazon, Milestone or Weedmaster after grazing or cutting gives good control of ragweed seedlings and small plants. If ragweed does get away, shredding in September can reduce seed production.
It takes time and a well-planned approach to control ragweed, but with good grazing, some spraying, and timely shredding it can be done.
Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist
|
 | ||
| Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. | ||
| The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. | ||
