problem with docks

pmct

my silage is almosy fit to cut and there is a lot of docks in it. what is the best way to get rid of them is spraying them after the silage has been taken off it? is there a good spray out any help would be great

Farmer Pudsey

The docks are gone to seed at present so after cutting silage wait for regrowths. When the docks are are developed spray with High Load Micram 5L cost about 85 euro's it will do 4HA (10 acres). You may have to spray next year as well if so do in May after you close the silage ground. takes a while to get docks under control.

Charlie Charolais

Farmer Pudsey wrote: »

The docks are gone to seed at present so after cutting silage wait for regrowths. When the docks are are developed spray with High Load Micram 5L cost about 85 euro's it will do 4HA (10 acres). You may have to spray next year as well if so do in May after you close the silage ground. takes a while to get docks under control.

well pudsey,

do stock need to be taken off the land for/after spraying?
is there any available where stock can stay?

leoch

i think its redshank in threw my silage ground the fert is on 3/4 weeks should i spray with something now or would it knock back the silage too much i was thinking of putting on that mcpa stuff for rushes would it do wat u think

49801

Charlie Charolais wrote: »

well pudsey,

do stock need to be taken off the land for/after spraying?
is there any available where stock can stay?

keep cattle off sprayed ground for a minimum of 5/6days. Its longer if the ground is to be mowed.... 2wks. The reason for this is to allow the docks time to get the chemical into the roots. pointless spraying docks that have stemed out.

Muckit

Eagle is a good but expensive spray. Have used it a few times with very good results. I found waiting and spraying the aftergrass to give very good results.

Spray 7-10days before you let the cattle in. The docks need to be leafy, if they start growing shoots again you have missed the boat. Top and wait for regrowth

Docks are not a one year, one spray fix. The trick is to keep on top of them. Keeping them under control when there are only a few and they are small is much easier than firefighting when they have taken over. But it all costs money.

Also great merit in cutting your silage ground before the June bank holiday. It doesn't weaken them but at least they are gone before seed ripens and they will not be multiplying.

Farmer Pudsey

With most sprays cattle need to be kept out for for 4-5 day as most of these sprays are residual this means that the herbside needs to get into the roots of the plant to kill it.

From Op post I am presuming that it is meadow that has not been reseeded for 8-10 years+ the value of the clover would be minimum. Micram will kill other broad leave weeds look at the data sheet before you buy have not got to hand at present.

If it was reseeded pasture with good clover I go for eagle but not on old pasture

pmct

Ya it hasn't been reseeded for a long time it is badly in needed of it but I am afraid if I disturb the ground it will make the problem worst

Farmer Pudsey

pmct wrote: »

Ya it hasn't been reseeded for a long time it is badly in needed of it but I am afraid if I disturb the ground it will make the problem worst

If you decide to reseed maybe forget about clover it gives you more options with sprays you can use D50 at early seedling stage. Undersown or legumex are good but you have to be on the ball when spraying to kill weeds at seedling stage and to let grass and clover survive and then to keep on top of docks as muckit explains.

Topping and cutting silage early is a good control method along with the use of sprays.