Weeds are often a problem in horse paddocks, especially those that are over-grazed or over-used.

Spraying weed-infested paddocks with an effective herbicide over the coming weeks will ensure more nutritious and productive swards for the rest of the season and beyond.

Envy, is the grassland herbicide of choice and has added a new dimension to weed control in equine paddocks. It contains two powerful ingredients – fluroxypyr and florasulam. The mix of these powerful ingredients with two different modes of action ensures a very wide spectrum of weed control in grassland.

Envy delivers exceptional control on buttercups, dandelions, plantains, daisies, docks and chickweed. It is particularly suited to horse paddocks, as there are no issues with residues in manure.

Chris Maughan, technical manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, advised that best control is achieved by spraying when weeds are actively growing and before they reach the flowering stage.

“With docks, best results are got from spraying when they are 15-25cm high and before a seed head begins to emerge.

“While good results can be achieved by spraying buttercups at the flowering stage, very best control is got by spraying before they flower,” Chris said.

As growing conditions begin to improve, many weed-infested pastures should be reaching the ideal time for spraying from around mid-May onwards. Envy should be applied to grazing paddocks at two litres/ha in a minimum of 200 litres of water.

“Paddocks can be grazed by horses and other animals seven days after Envy is applied,” added Chris.

Pic: Envy is the perfect herbicide for weeds such as buttercups and dandelions in horse paddocks

Silage and hay swards

Envy is also ideal for silage and hay swards. Spraying before silage or hay is cut is by far the best option.

“Where weeds are a problem in silage or hay swards, the ideal time to spray them is two to four weeks after fertiliser is applied.

“Weeds should then be actively growing and be at the right stage for an effective kill. It is important to leave an interval of at least three weeks between spraying and cutting the crop.

“This ensures that the chemicals get translocated right down to the root system of the weeds, which is vital for long-term control,” advised Chris.

Pic: Pastor Trio and Envy from Corteva Agriscience are ideal for controlling weeds in reseeded pasture

Tailor-made for reseeded pastures

With chickweed and seedling docks among the major weed problems in new reseeds, Envy and Pastor Trio are highly effective on both weeds.

“Many pastures that were reseeded last autumn did not get a post-emergent weed killer. Some are now riddled with weeds with large patches of grass smothered out. Spraying with Envy or Pastor Trio will kill the weeds and enable the perennial grasses to recover,” said Chris.

“A post-emergent application of Envy or Pastor Trio, depending on the weeds, will result in a weed-free sward and allow the new grass to tiller out, ensuring the sward can reach its full potential.

“Both herbicides can be applied from the third leaf visible stage of the grass. The recommended application rate on new reseeds is one litre/ha in 200 litres of water.

“As Envy works well in cooler conditions, it can be applied up to November 30th. This makes it an ideal post-emergent herbicide for autumn-sown reseeds,” explained Chris.

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