Buttercups

I

igglepop

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Are they bad for horses, think i read somewhere a few days ago now con only find things that contradict each other. Please let me know as field if over run. Also if they are how do i get rid of them.
 
They are poisonous. Horses won't really touch them provided there's ample grass but still hardly ideal. They do seem to be worse everywhere this year... It's possible to get something to spray them with (worth buddying up to farmers, too ;)) - can't remember what but search on here; someone was talking about it last week.
 
I think they can be irritant to their mouths and noses when they are growing but most will nibble the grass around them(mine leaves not a blade of grass and eats right up to them with no adverste effect)

Headland polo is recommended for Buttercups(I know this as I usually use Grazon 90 but its not for buttercups...very good on docks)

Read on how to use the different herbicides if you decide to spray etc. They say the soil is more acid for buttercup growth etc

But I am going to spray mine at some stage probably best to do it when the plant is small as you use less weedkiller etc

Good luck
ps if Buttercup is cut in hay horses eat it when dry..palatable and not a problem.
 
Your soil may be too acidic. I had lots of buttercups too and I bought a £5 PH tester on E-Bay to check it. If it is too acidic you should consider spreading lime. My soil wasn't acidic just that the grass had been grazed too much and the buttercups took over. I sprayed mine with weedkiller and the grass has now had a chance to re-establish itself. Your field will have limited nutritional value unless you do something.
 
The field I was on last year was covered in buttercups. But this year I am on a sheep farm and no buttercups anywhere, as apparently sheep love them. So if you want to avoid sprays, get some sheep (they do however have an annoying habit of also eating the grass and pooping everywhere!).
 
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