Dandelion A deep tap rooting perennial plant, flowering from May to October. It propagates with seeds via wind dispersal, with one flower head producing approx. 400 seeds. Dandelions will compete with grass, which reduces palatability and yield. Improving soil fertility and avoid overgrazing to reduce risk. Docks Deep rooting plants which will compete aggressively with grass, they can also regenerate shoots from their tap roots. Their seeds can remain viable for up to 80 years. Docks thrive on intensively used and highly fertilised areas and should not be allowed to set seed. Neither intensive grazing, ensiling, or topping are ideal methods of control, as the seeds can survive both digestion and ensiling and the tap roots can allow the plant to recover after topping. Common Nettle Growing to one meter high, they propagate through extensive creeping stolons and can easily germinate from soil disturbance. Nettles are unpalatable, and with their ability to spread across a field they also reduce grazing area. They are best controlled when they are young, with cutting three times a year before flowering. Ragwort A biennial plant, that flowers in its second year. Ragwort is poisonous, but unpalatable in its living state. Once the plant has been damaged, wilted, or dead, it becomes more palatable and still as poisonous. Horses are particularly susceptible, and it is a danger in hay or silage. Grazing with sheep in the early spring or winter can help reduce light infestations, or uprooting will help prevent spread of seed. Cutting is not a recommended option. Thistles Spreading through vegetative growth of roots, seeds are also dispersed by the wind. Thistles have extensive underground roots so can be difficult to control or remove. Topping can be useful to ensure that all the plants are at the same height. For control options, please speak to your BASIS qualified advisor.
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog