Pasture Management

[Janetwhiteside]

HELP!!!!

I have just rested 1/2 my paddock after having the weeds sprayed off, the horses are due to go back on it at the beginning of November but I didn't know whether it would be ok to put them back on it with all the dead weeds still in there. Obviously I have removed all the ragwort, the dead stuff is harmless IE knot grass, nettles, thistles etc.

The field was sprayed at the beginning of Sept so it has had plenty of time for the nasty stuff to get washed off etc.

Would you put them back on it as it is or would you try and remove it by flailing or mowing??? any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[StaceyTanglewood]

Arnt you supposed to leave it for longer than 2 months ??

 

[Magicmillbrook]

It depends on what you sprayed with. The products I use have a 2 week lay off period, howeve some sprays have a longer time. I think 2 nonths is what is recomended to allow ragwort to rot away, however in my experience it never does. If in doubt read the back of the spray container or contact the farmer/contractor who sprayed for you.

 

[Janetwhiteside]

The chemical that was used recommends leaving horses off for 4 weeks, so I doubled it just to be on the safe side.

What I was wondering is would you put them straight back on the field as it is or would you try mowing/flailing first?

 

[Tia]

Yes I'd put them back on it and no I wouldn't cut it. Leave the weeds to decompose naturally rather than scattering them about the field.

 

[Donkeymad]

As you have removed the ragwort, I would just put them straight back.

 

[PeterNatt]

To be safe you could get a contractor to bring in a cut and collector machine which will cut and remove the grass.

 

[Tia]

Peter, what is a "cut and collector machine"? And what will happen to all the cuttings?

 

[Janetwhiteside]

Thanks for all your replies! I think I will put them back on it without cutting, just wanted to make sure it was ok first.