Managing Weeds in Rangelands, Pastures, Natural Areas

Owning land is something many people dream of. The wide, open spaces, natural beauty and pasture and range areas for livestock offer many benefits. But managing weeds in rangelands, pastures, natural areas is rarely part of anybody’s dream.
In a balanced eco-system, even weeds have their place. They help stabilize soil and provide food and shelter for wildlife. But weeds are among the most evolutionarily advanced life forms due to their ability to withstand harsh conditions. Give them an inch and they’ll take more than a mile.
According to the Colorado State University Extension, “Weeds are spreading rapidly on Colorado rangeland and in pastures and natural areas.” The extension encourages landowners to look into managing weeds in rangelands, pastures, natural areas with two or more weed control methods and to keep records of management successes or failures.

Key steps toward managing weeds in rangelands, pastures and natural areas includes:

•Map weed infestations (type of weed(s), spread, maturity).
•Start small – control small, scattered or perimeter weed infestations first before attacking large infestations.
•Don’t give up too soon – some infestations may take three or more years of efforts before they are under control.
•Think long-term – don’t ignore a weed infestation because it doesn’t currently affect your financial bottom line.
•Identify desirable plant growth and integrate a plan to encourage that growth into your weed infestation control plan.

Weed control methods in rangeland, pastures, and native areas:
•cultural control – rotational grazing, cultivating, fertilizing, re-seeding, and irrigating;
•physical and mechanical controls – pulling, mowing, cutting, burning, flooding, sanitation, and tillage operations;
•chemical control – use of herbicides;
•biological control – use of biological control agents;
•prevention – certified weed-free seeds, cleaning undercarriage of vehicles before entering vegetation management area, minimize soil disturbance, erosion control, maintaining hardy grass cover and competitive vegetation

If you own range, pasture or natural land and would like to assess weed infestations and determine an effective control plan, contact SprayTech, Colorado commercial and residential weed control experts, at 720-248-0000.