Buttercups - can I control them without chemicals?

[annabelb]

I have one particular field which is just looks yellow from a distance (although there is grass between the buttercups when you get up close!). I'm reluctant to use chemicals, as there are lots of lovely wildflowers in the field as well. Would topping, to knock the heads off, help the grass to grow and hopefully crowd out the buttercups? And does anyone know if it is safe to let my youngsters graze the topped buttercups? Also, we have three pet sheep - would they help to graze down the buttercups? Any advice much appreciated!

 

[Finlib]

I too do not like too much use of chemicals .We have found that chain harrowing and topping the fields keeps the buttercups down.
We change harrow each field every time the horses are moved off it.
We rotate our 3 fields each around 2.5 acres each field is grazed for 1 week than rested for 2 weeks and topped as needed.
There is a scattering of buttercups in each field .I prefer a meadowy look with a selection of wild plants and grasses .

 

[annabelb]

Thanks, that's very encouraging! I have booked someone to spray next week, but I think I will cancel and try topping instead. We have only owned our fields for a year, so pasture management is proving a steep learning curve for us ....

 

[Finlib]

I would say chain harrowing does a lot to improve pasture in every way.
We manage our land using a big 4 wheel drive quad and have chain harrows a topper and roller .We have 7 acres and this does everything we need ,It also means you are not reliant on someone else to do it .
Also you can chain harrow or top on a very regular basis.
If you can't afford that sort of equipment then chain harrows can be picked up relatively cheaply and towed behind a 4x4 vehicle.
We have found our quad brilliant and have had it 18years bought it secondhand for around £2000 (only 1 year old)
The quad does everything on the land and also moves hay and bedding and delivers hay to the fields during all the snow.