Crop Protection

Weed control is one of the most important aspects of new pasture agronomy. Weed free pastures will perform better, produce more good quality feed and last longer than their weedy counterparts. 

There are many methods of weed control bandied around, but for the best and most consistent job you need to use a good quality herbicide. The right herbicide at the right time offers longer lasting, more complete control of weeds in young pastures and ensures there are no weeds present to compete with the grass and clover.

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Once a pasture is established the need for weed control does not stop. Despite the best intentions, incorrect management practices (e.g. grazing when too wet leading to pugging) or environmental conditions (e.g. summer droughts) often lead to pastures opening up. This presents the opportunity for weeds such as ragwort, buttercup, docks, Californian and nodding thistles to invade. Left unchecked these weeds will severely reduce productivity and shorten persistence of pastures.

There are a number of insects that cause significant damage in pastures during establishment and later on.

Even new cultivars that contain endophyte require protection while they establish and a good seed treatment is the first line of defence. 

Once pastures emerge monitor for pests such as grass grub, slugs, argentine stem weevil and clover flea (springtails) and apply an insecticide if necessary. 

In established pasture the main threats are grass grub and porina. For controlling grass grub it is best applied during or before moderate rain as it requires at least 13 mm to wash it into the zone where grass grub feed in the soil. Porina on the other hand come out at night to feed and control is best achieved by applying the product to foliage on warm evenings when pest activity will be at its greatest.

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