Herbicides to Control Weeds in Spring Seeded Alfalfa
Alfalfa seedlings grow slowly. According to Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist, many weeds grow faster than alfalfa seedlings, robbing them of moisture, nutrients, and light. Uncontrolled, weeds can cause thin stands, weak plants and lower yields.
Cropping practices that reduce weed seed production during the years before planting alfalfa help reduce weeds when you finally do plant alfalfa. Timely mowing reduces competition from many weeds. However, often the only way to fully control weeds is by using herbicides.
Will grasses like foxtail or crabgrass be a problem in your new alfalfa? Then before seeding use a pre-plant incorporated herbicide, like Treflan, Balan, or Eptam. These herbicides control grasses and many small-seeded broadleaf weeds like lambsquarter. Some larger-seeded broadleaves like sunflowers will not be controlled, but you can mow those weeds later for good control.
Maybe you can get your alfalfa started without any herbicides. That’s good! But, if you have escapes, post-emerge herbicides like Buctril and 2,4-DB control broadleaves, Poast Plus and Select control grasses, and Raptor or Pursuit control a combination of weeds and can rescue your alfalfa if weeds are sprayed before they get very tall.
As you know, always follow label directions for application rates and conditions.
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