IT is a problem we all know, weeds are overtaking our horse's pastures. The key to avoid it, is to make your pastures as competitive as possible for grass. How can you do this? Here are six tips ... 1) Watch out for overgrazing. When pastures get down to 3 to 4 inches, make sure to remove the horses from the field. This to avoid bare sports and open area's of soil, as these are the invitation to weeds. Not overgrazing ensures that grass will have enough reserves left after grazing to permit rapid regrowth. Put horses back on pastures when the grass has re-grown to about six to eight inches. 2) Regular mowing of your pastures will help discourage many weeds (most can’t withstand mowing) and make your grasses healthier. Once horses are done grazing an area, set your mower to six inches and mow away. Horses are selective grazers, eating some plants close to the ground and leaving others untouched. Mowing evens the playing field by cutting the tall plants down to a size where they are more tasty for the horse and encouraging grass plants to produce more leaves, called tillers, thereby making pastures thicker. 3) Spread compost. In the early fall and late spring when the grasses are growing well spread compost in a 1/4" or 1/2" layer. Compost is a rich soil amendment that adds nutrients, organics and beneficial microbes. It helps plants become healthier and more disease resistant. 4) Having the healthiest soil possible will make your grass plants grow better, so don't avoid doing a soil test. Healthy grass plants out compete weeds. Apply lime and fertilizer accordingly. Never apply fertilizer without a soil test, because otherwise you simply have no idea as to what your plants and soils need. 5) IF your soil test calls for it, Spread lime. If you have acidic soils using lime is crucial. Lime helps adjust the soil’s pH so that nutrients in the soil can be utilized by the grass plant. 6) Harrow (or drag) the pasture to spread manure. Harrowing breaks up manure piles so that grass plants aren’t smothered and so plants can better use the nutrients and organic materials. Pull a harrow with a tractor, riding lawn mower, ATV or a small 4WD vehicle. Or, simply take a manure fork and spread manure by hand.
