Buttercups

[ebyewtree]

We have just had a really bad outbreak of buttercups in our paddocks treated with a chemical spray, we think MCPA. The last time we had it done, four years ago, we were told to keep the horses off it for at least ten days. This time the advice is for three days. We have been reading up on the spray on the internet and the phrase "it has a field half-life of 14 days to one month" comes up, which, to us, means three days is not enough. The data does also say about very low toxicity to birds and bees etc, which would suggest it would not harm the horses either, though it does make weeds such as buttercup and ragwort more palatable, and therefore more likely to be eaten. This is only the second time we have had to have the paddocks sprayed and have no other experience of it. Input welcomed.

 

[Bennions Field]

I've also just done my second half of the field with headland polo, think its using the same / group of chemicals, i also did it three years ago too - but just to confirm the information leaflet with the stuff said to leave livestock (horses) off for at least 2 weeks. wouldnt want to put them back on any earlier to be honest, and ideally push it out to more than to ensure the chemicals are no longer in the plants left remaining, ie grass etc.

these things are really nasty chemicals and should be given a healthy respect. i also make sure i keep the dogs off the field too, as although it states that its safe to walk through once its dry i just think the dogs then go and lick themselves after and wouldnt want them to inject anything either !

as a positive its killed all the buttercups in the first half of the field wonderfully, and left a rapidly growing crop of grass and clover as well as the plantains etc. seems to be very specific at getting the buttercups and the odd thistle that dare to stray into the field