Buttercups - limiting the numbers

[jennie1000]

My field is getting increasing numbers of buttercups year on year. I'm on a livery yard so don't have the power to spray the field. I was wondering if anyone knows weather picked the heads by hand will stop them seeding net year. I know it will be a task and a half this year but if it works I don't mind doing it. It's worked with the docks as I did these last yer and I've only got the odd one this year.

 

[Clava]

You can pull them up to decrease the number of plants, but hard work. Removing seed heads wont help much as they spread by runners.

 

[FollyFarmEC]

Butter cups are a sign that the field needs lime, if you are able to talk your yard into getting a soil test it will show what it needs and plan ahead.

doesn't help now, but its the correct thing to do, as it will help grass growth as well

hope this helps

 

[Feathered]

Everywhere round by us seems to be overrun with buttercups this year!

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

Our fields are yellow!!

 

[HazyXmas]

I've got some in a field that is due to cut for haylage, are they poisonous when dry? Do i need to get them sprayed?

 

[xxMozlarxx]

Loads of buttercups this year

 

[jrp204]

Generally buttercups are a sign of low pH, the trouble is often people expect grass just to grow year on year, fertilizer may be applied but the pH is equally important. Low pH will lock up nutrients, the grass will not grow but more high acidity tolerating plants such as buttercups will grow out competing the grass. Lime applied on a regular basis will ensure a healthy sward.

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

I've got some in a field that is due to cut for haylage, are they poisonous when dry? Do i need to get them sprayed?

Apparently when dried they are non toxic

 

[HazyXmas]

Thanks DD, that's put my mind at rest

 

[kerrieberry2]

we have buttercups this year and I've never noticed them before either!

 

[AmyMay]

Does your YO not spray to get rid of them?

 

[FinkleyAlex]

Completely sympathise - i only started field-sharing a few weeks ago and over the last two weeks loads of buttercups have sprung up! The field owner is the laid back type and won't see a point in spraying/liming when his horses have been on it for years with no problems. I'm also considering going and doing it by hand - it will take me days though!