Weed prevention of food plots

[martinhunter12]

So I just put in 2 plots, one is a chicory and clover mix and the other is a mixture of brassicas and many other seeds. What's the best way to control the weeds? Mowing the clover and chicory right? What about chemical ways?

[WesternNY]

This is a loaded question as some folks are set on their ways of planting and controlling weeds.

 

Generally speaking, planting in the fall (August) with a mix of annuals works the best, not disturbing the soil too much also helps, though not ussually reasonable.

 

Mowing will help at the right times, but for grasses mowing makes it worse.

 

Learn about clethodim for use in clover on grasses... but it will kill chicory.

 

When you mow, do not mow in dry weather.... do not mow towards the end of the growing season.  Dont cut clover below 6-8 inches... you are just trying to get the tops of the weeds before they go to seed.

 

The picture I posted in your other thread was a clover chicory plot planted in the spring.  I find seeding heavily with clover helps... choke out the weeds,, I tend to double the rate of seed for clover. Some crops do not tolerate heavy seeding... brassicas come to mind, corn as well.  Good luck

[growalot]

http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/Place/12650400/Non-ChemWeedMgmt.pdf

 

http://www.ncwss.org/proceed/2005/proc05/abstracts/190.pdf

 

http://plantcovercrops.com/cover-crops-help-suppress-weeds/

[WesternNY]

http://www.outreachoutdoors.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=475&start=0

 

One of the best threads on clover, it is linked here also

http://www.qdma.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31278

[landtracdeerhunter]

Never have been a fan of sprays. I use the method of what the old timers called " summer follow." This is for late summer, early fall planted crops. I'll plow in the spring, disc the ground fairly well, then let it sit until weed seeds germinate and grow. I'll continue to disc new growth right up till the time I'm ready to plant. It also give the ground a rest and the summer time rains, also help work it and make it mellow. I'll use it on any legume, kale, wheat, oats,, forage corn, and radish.