The yellow cast of pasture is a sure sign that spring has arrived and warm temperature is just around the corner. As sure as spring, so does the troublesome Buttercup. Buttercup is a winter annual that thrives in weak or thin pastures. The goal is to spray buttercup before bloom. Winter annuals such as buttercups have kicked in high gear since with the warmer temperatures. Take a walk across your pastures and you will find an abundant of buttercup invading your pastures. This is especially the case in those areas with weaker stands of grass and pastures which have been grazed hard. There are summer weeds that need to be sprayed during June and July, while there are cool-season weeds that need to be sprayed during the winter. One of the most common weeds we see across the state is yellow buttercup.
It can be quite colorful, with many pastures solid yellow with blooming buttercup. While this might be pretty, it doesn’t make for a productive pasture. Yellow buttercup, like many other weeds, is detrimental because it reduces the yield from a pasture or hayfield. It uses nutrients that should be for the grass and clover. It also decreases the nutrient content and palatability of a field. Although buttercup is damaging to a farm’s forage production, it is an easily controlled weed. Now is the time to start planning for buttercup control.The following details can help you obtain excellent control of yellow buttercup on your farm.
1. When should I spray?
You need to spray before the buttercup blooms. This is normally anytime between late November and early April. You need to wait to spray until daytime temperatures reach 60 degrees for a few days.
2. What should I spray?
The ester formulation of 2,4-D is very effective in buttercup control. There are several brand names for this chemical, so read the label to make sure you are getting the right herbicide.
For more details and information contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County UT Extension Service at 615-563-2554
3. How much should I spray?
For buttercup control, apply 1 quart per acre of 2, 4-D. If you have buckhorn or broadleaf plantain, increase the rate to 2 quarts per acre Apply the chemical in 20-25 gallons of water per acre. It is important that the label is read carefully, and all instructions are followed, including avoiding drift to sensitive crops and waiting periods for hay cutting.
4. Will this kill my clover?
The 1 quart rate of 2,4-D will not kill established white clover, but it will kill red clover, higher rates will kill all clover.
Remember that herbicides are just one step in a forage weed control program. Fertilizing and liming according to soil test, and good grazing management will also help reduce the impact of weeds on a pasture. Following these recommendations will help you have beautiful green pastures this spring. Yellow flowers belong in the flower bed, not the pasture.
For more details and information contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County UT Extension Service at 615-563-2554
