[Chase635]

I was wondering if using some form of pre-emergent on a food plot would work. Has anyone done this?

I was also curious about a time release fertilizer if it is worth the effort?

 

[Hoytshooter]

I would be a little careful with pre-emergent. I don't know that it would hurt anything, but I was thinking that those types of herbicides were alot more plant specific as far as what they wouldn't kill. As long as you knew it wouldn't harm your plot plants then I don't know why it wouldn't be ok. I would imagine one way or the other you're still going to be stuck with fighting either broadleaf or grasses depending on what you plant but the pre-emergent may stop the hassle of one of them.
I wouldn't mess with a time release fertilizer. Mainly because when I checked into it the cost was significantly higher. I prefer to fertilize in the spring to help everything kick start and then again around the first of september and you could even throw another in the middle if you can catch a rain.

 

[Chase635]

Thanks i was thinking with this warm weather the weeds are going to be out of control this year early. and wanted to get a jump on the.

 

[rat]

If you do use pre-emergent herbicides, make sure that you use something grass-specific like treflan, surflan, barricade or ronstar. Follow directions implicitly...

I'm with hoyt though, I wouldnt worry as much about the weeds as I would the site preparation, timing ect.

 

[henry]

What were you planning to plant???? If you are palnning on doing a perrinial plot, the pre-emergents may not last long enough to give you the results you are looking for. Another problem with them is that ground prep is critical. If the soil works up cloddy, the pre-emergent won't penetrate the clods and weeds will sprout from the protected seed inside the clods.

:cheers::cheers:

 

[Chase635]

I was looking at useing the items on a 2 acre strip plot, that i have worked up like a flower bed the soil has been amended and tilled with a walk behind tiller. was looking at a some kind of spring summer prenieal plot with clover and ? mix.

 

[henry]

If the ground is worked up good,,you could try a grass specific pre-emergent. I would think the grasses would be your biggest problem. I am still unsure as to whether the pre-emergents would last long enough on the slower sprouting and developing perrinials. I think that the pre-emergents are more designed to control weed germination for a shorter term in annual crops that will canopy quicker and help shade out undesired plants.

:cheers::cheers:

 

[rat]

Originally posted by henry
If the ground is worked up good,,you could try a grass specific pre-emergent. I would think the grasses would be your biggest problem. I am still unsure as to whether the pre-emergents would last long enough on the slower sprouting and developing perrinials. I think that the pre-emergents are more designed to control weed germination for a shorter term in annual crops that will canopy quicker and help shade out undesired plants.

:cheers::cheers:

Henry.. you are right on.

Most of the products I mentioned are viable for 60, maybe 90 days from application. We do early spring apps and get control through mid summer. Canopy should take care of it after that, but remember, 100% weed control is a dream. You are just trying to get enough control to minimize competition during the crop establishment. Obviously, rape, clovers ect do not have a high canopy but pre's can help you off to a good start.

I'll say again, follow label directions any time you use a herbicide. :wave:

 

[Hoytshooter]

Originally posted by rat
100% weed control is a dream

AMEN!!! You said a mouthfull there!

 

[SmokinBarrel]

Interesting: where can you find pre-emergents?

 

[rat]

Local rural coop will have some products in stock and they can direct you if they dont.