Weeds, Poisonous Plants & Other Pests
Pasture Management for Reduced Weed Problems
By directing management and resources to promote growth
of forage species they will be more able to compete with weeds. This
concept is helpful in correcting certain weed problems and in slowing or
preventing invasion by new weeds. This information is available on the Forage Information Systems website.
This handbook is designed as a quick and ready reference of weed control
practices used in various cropping systems or site/situations in
Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Because chemical regulation of plant
growth is complex and requires considerable knowledge, a large portion
of the handbook is devoted to registered uses of herbicides, crop
desiccants, and some plant growth regulators. Scroll to the 'Weed Control in Pasture and Rangeland' chapter for commonly used herbicides. Always read the chemical label prior to any application!
Weed Management in Hay Production
Available for purchase through Oregon State
University Extension Service, this full-color guide to the most common
weeds in hay crops and the herbicides used to manage them. Includes
weed identification photos. Describes herbicide effectiveness by weed
species and gives characteristics of each herbicide. Outlines weed
management program.
Perennial Weed Biology Management
Perennial plants live at least 2 years; some live for
decades. Most perennial weeds reproduce both by seeds and by
the spread of energy-storing vegetative parts, such as roots
or tubers. This combination of reproductive mechanisms makes
management of perennial weeds difficult. By understanding how
perennial weeds reproduce and spread, land managers are better able
to plan a successful weed management strategy.
Foxtail Control in Pastures and Hayground
Foxtail is a problematic grass in pastures and hayground and infestations need
immediate attention. This factsheet covers reasonable treatment
regimes to tackle infestation.
Management Guides for common pasture weeds:
Yellowstar Thistle (PNW Rangelands)
Poisonous Plants:
Poisonous Plants Encountered in Oregon
A list of plants that have been known to cause toxicity issues in livestock. Includes ornamental plants, shrubs and trees.
Poisonous Plants Commonly Found in Oregon Pastures
In-depth information about poisonous plants found in pasture areas. Includes detailed toxicity definitions and colored photos of common weeds.
Western Washington Plants Known to Be Poisonous to Horses (USDA-SCS)
Other pests that affect pastures:
Soil fertility is often one of the key factors of moss infestations in
pastures. In many cases, providing appropriate nutrients will allow
grasses and legumes to crowd out the moss. Read this article to learn more.
Armyworms in Grass Pastures and Corn in Western Oregon
Armyworms are a serious pest of turf, forage and seed grasses; small grains and corn throughout North America. This publication discusses identification, life cycle, monitoring, action thresholds,
biological control, organic controls, and chemical controls of armyworms. Includes
color photos for identification.
Endophyte Toxins in Grass Seed Fields and Straw
Grazing animals on grass seed fields and feeding grass seed straw can be advantageous to both livestock producers and grass seed growers. Problems may develop, however, if livestock consume varieties of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass that are intended for use as turf. Some turf varieties are infected with an endophyte, which produces toxins harmful to livestock.