Critical Success Factors

Use the following options to discover more about factors critical to successful grassland management.

Timing for maximum effect
Grazing and cutting intervals
Getting water volumes right
Rainfastness
Why use a programme for long-term control?
When should the second application go on?
Make sure herbicide choice is safe to the grass

Timing for maximum effect

Weed	Timing
Docks	too early	JUST RIGHT	too late
	Starting to grow	Rosette stage Up to 250mm high or across	Stem extension
Nettles	too early	JUST RIGHT	too late
	Starting to grow	Just prior to flowering, up to 250mm high	Full flower
Thistles	too early	JUST RIGHT	too late
	Starting to grow	Rosette stage 4-10 leaves Up to 250mm high or across	Stem extension

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Grazing and cutting intervals
Getting water volumes right
Rainfastness

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Why use a programme for long-term control?

A 'programme' means use of repeat applications at separate timings, either in the same year or in following years.

• Difficult to obtain successful control from one application
• Fields contain weeds at various growth stages
• Weeds must be young and actively growing to obtain maximum response from translocated herbicides
• Docks, nettles and thistles have deep, extensive root systems
• Perennial weeds have good "defence mechanisms"
• Dense weed populations lead to shading of smaller plants
• Large seed reserves in the soil

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When should the second application go on?

• When established plants show active regrowth
• When there are newly germinated seedlings
• When regrowth is between rosette and 200mm high or across
• When weather conditions are suitable for active growth

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Make sure herbicide choice is safe to the grass

Grass Safety

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