Herbicidal Control of Tall Goldenrod in Tall Fescue Hayfields

Abstract

The addition of several new herbicides labeled for use in pastures or hayfields has led many growers to question their options for weed management. In addition, little is known about the effects of common pasture weeds on total biomass yield or nutritive value in a pasture or hayfield setting. Therefore, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of selected herbicide treatments on tall goldenrod [(Solidago canadensis subsp. altissima (L.)] control and total forage biomass and nutritive values in mixed tall fescue [Lolium arundinacea (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire] and legume hayfields. Aminopyralid and aminopyralid plus 2,4‐D amine was least effective in controlling tall goldenrod one year after treatment (YAT). Total biomass yields were generally lower in herbicide‐treated compared to untreated plots, likely due to the reduction in tall goldenrod and legume density with these treatments. Herbicide‐treated biomass yields decreased by an average of 12% 1YAT compared to the untreated control. Nutritive value was also greater in biomass harvested from untreated compared to herbicide‐treated forage 1YAT. Results from this study indicate that a variety of herbicide treatments will control tall goldenrod, but that tall goldenrod infestations will not likely decrease the overall yield or nutritive value of the harvested biomass in mixed tall fescue and legume hayfields.

Comparison of Methods for Restoring Meadows Invaded by Solidago Species

“…Using a herbicide can quickly eradicate or limit invasive species [29][30]47]. Our experiments reveal that Solidago spp.…”

“…are mowing, hand pulling, mulching, and ploughing the soil [24][25][26][27]. Herbicides produce rapid effects [28][29][30].Eradicating invasive species is insufficient to restore a semi-natural grassland, as propagules of target meadow plants must be provided to regenerate the sward and compete effectively with any remaining invasive species [31]. A successful way to provide meadow species seeds is transferring fresh hay.…”

“…Thus, many semi-natural meadow restoration projects spread fresh hay, which contains the seeds of target species [32,[45][46]. Our experimental results show that fresh hay was an efficient source of target species propagules, even in grasslands seriously affected by invasive plant species, but the efficiency of target species emergence depends on the method used to remove the alien species.Using a herbicide can quickly eradicate or limit invasive species [29][30]47]. Our experiments reveal that Solidago spp.…”

“…are mowing, hand pulling, mulching, and ploughing the soil [24][25][26][27]. Herbicides produce rapid effects [28][29][30].…”

Fall Herbicide Treatments Reduce Northern Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris ) Stem Density in Tall Fescue Pastures and Haylands

“…When averaged across all herbicide treatments, total forage yields were 2708 kg/ha among herbicide-treated plots, while total forage yields in the untreated plots averaged 2878 kg/ha. Other authors have reported reduced total forage yield as a common response to herbicide treatment and weed removal in grass pastures and hay field settings (14,15).…”