Theme 1: Grassland Ecology
Description
A common question among managers of grazing operations is “At what level of weed pressure does it become economical to apply herbicides on pastures?” Unfortunately, there isn’t just one answer to this question as production goals and practices differ between operations and even within an operation over time. Regardless, the real question being ask is if weed control will increase profit per acre.
There are three basic avenues that may be taken to improve profit per acre through weed control. The first is to increase the carrying capacity of the grazing operation by controlling weeds and replacing them with desirable forage species that will support the required increase in animal units. The second is to use weed control to improve forage availability to the existing herd to support higher average daily gains (ADG) or improve body condition (BCS) of animals. The third is to simply improve animal health through control of toxic plants that may suppress animal performance or increase mortality. Here we will only focus on weed control for increased carrying capacity and improved animal performance.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.13023/dp1w-jf24
Citation
Flynn, E. S.; Ingram, S.; and Sleugh, B. B., "Forage Response and Economic Benefits to Weed Management in Grasslands" (2023). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 29.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/XXV_IGC_2023/Ecology/29
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Forage Response and Economic Benefits to Weed Management in Grasslands
A common question among managers of grazing operations is “At what level of weed pressure does it become economical to apply herbicides on pastures?” Unfortunately, there isn’t just one answer to this question as production goals and practices differ between operations and even within an operation over time. Regardless, the real question being ask is if weed control will increase profit per acre.
There are three basic avenues that may be taken to improve profit per acre through weed control. The first is to increase the carrying capacity of the grazing operation by controlling weeds and replacing them with desirable forage species that will support the required increase in animal units. The second is to use weed control to improve forage availability to the existing herd to support higher average daily gains (ADG) or improve body condition (BCS) of animals. The third is to simply improve animal health through control of toxic plants that may suppress animal performance or increase mortality. Here we will only focus on weed control for increased carrying capacity and improved animal performance.
