This is the time of year when weed growth is at its best, so farmers need to be vigilant in controlling their spread before they go to seed.
Two main control methods are available. In both cases, timing is essential.
- Topping
- Use of Pesticides
Grassland weeds must be sprayed at what’s called the Rosette stage (3 – 4 “high (75-100mm) and similar width for best control when using pesticides. This means a full array of leaves to absorb maximum amount of the pesticide applied, if the plant is too advanced the pesticide product will not be as effective. If it is already too late to spray, it may be advisable to top grassland and then spray in 4-6 weeks time to the new growth.
FRS have the perfect weed solution to help with your weed issues and FRS Training provide the sprayer training courses to ensure you are compliant with the new department of Agriculture directive called the SUD (Sustainable Use of Pesticide Directive).
Grassland Weeds
Weeds compete with grass for nutrients and space. In turn, these weeds are reducing the amount of grass available to the grazing animals. For most common grassland weeds a product called MCPA will suffice. Always reads the label and supplementary information for the correct pesticide application rate before using. You may have to decide on what volume of water suits your situation, as very often volume rates on labels are determined by the grass cover or level of weed infestation.
Some Typical grassland weeds and products available:
Buttercup
There are many sprays on the market which will eliminate buttercups from grassland. Spraying with Forefront or Pastor will solve this problem as well as the growth of other weeds.
Rushes
Rushes tend to cause a big problem for farmers. With the amount of rainfall we get in Ireland there is always a significant increase in the amount of rushes on the land. A combination of 2 4 D based products and Torpedo 2 appears to be quite effective in killing it off as due to it’s vigorous nature it can be quite difficult to dispose of.
Docks
Docks are a constant scourge on most farms however they are relatively easy to control. There a number of effective sprays on the market. The only problem which underlies is there reoccurrence. Many products are available to counteract against docks, however many are very severe on clover therefore it is best to consult with your supplier on the appropriate product to suit your needs.
Products available: Doxstar – Fore front – Eagle
Typical Rate of Application: 2L/ha in 200L of water/ha
(Eagle is granulated so rate measure in grams/ha)
Weeds and Briars under fences
Weeds and briars become a major problem with electric fences around farm boundaries. The major problem which arises is the strength in the power of the electric fencing diminishing dramatically. The best way to control this is by using weed killer. Grazon 90 is one of the best on the market and is preferred by many farmers.
Boom Sprayer Pesticide Application Courses
The department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced the implementation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD). This directive stipulates that professional users, ie farmers and distributers of plant protection products will be required to be trained and registered with the department by November 26th 2015. Farmers need to be compliant and the training courses required are commonly known as Boom Sprayers and Knapsack Sprayers.
Course Title: Duration: QQI Level
Boom Sprayer Pesticide Applicator 2 days ( 1 week apart) 5
Hand Held Pesticide Applicator 2 days ( 1 week apart) 5
Boom sprayers include, Weed lickers, self-propelled, mounted, trailed and quad sprayers once over 3 meter boom width.
FRS Training is a QQI approved professional pesticide user training provider and has tailored its courses to suit farming life. Once you have successfully completed the Boom Sprayer and/or the Hand Held Pesticide Applicator course/s. Farmer must register with the department of Agriculture via their online system and then you will receive your PU Number (Pesticide User). This is an excellent hands on practical course where you will be safely trained on handling and applying correct rates of product and know how to calculate the output from your sprayer.
Further information on registration and training requirements visit:www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie
Contact FRS Training on 1890 20 1000 to book your course or visit http://www.frstraining.com. FRS courses are available Nationwide at competitive pricing and group discounts.
FRS Training 