Leafy spurge control with angora goats and herbicides
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Authors: R. G. Lym, K. K. Sedivec, and D. R. Kirby
Date: 1997
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 50
Number: 2
Pages: 123-128
Summary of Methods: A four year study evaluated pairing goat grazing and herbicide control (picloram plus 2,4-D) as a better long term control leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) infestations than either treatment alone. Six treatment combinations (untreated control, goat grazing only, fall herbicide only, spring herbicide only, goat grazing following spring herbicide, and goat grazing prior to fall herbicide application) were tested on two locations in eastern North Dakota. Goats grazing varied between sites with rotational grazing at one site and season long grazing at the other site. Density of leafy spurge was measure in the spring before grazing and in the fall following grazing but prior to fall herbicide application. Leafy spurge stems were counted annually. Roots were collected and analyzed for protein and carbohydrate levels.
Article Summary / Main Points: • Grazing combined with fall herbicide application reduced leafy spurge density (5 stems/0.25 meter plot) faster and provided long control than either treatment alone. • Annual spring herbicide application reduced leafy spurge densities similar or greater than combining spring herbicide application with goat grazing. • Rotational grazing obtained control of leafy spurge populations slower than continual grazing. • All treatments reduced leafy spurge density to 1 stem per 0.25 m2 or less after 3 years the long-term control varied between treatments after the end of the trail.
Vegetation Types: Northern Mixed Prairie Tallgrass Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 55A Northern Black Glaciated Plains 55B Central Black Glaciated Plains
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Grazing Herbicides
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: integrated weed management, rangeland weed control, density, stocking rate, picloram, euphorbia esula, grazing, targeted grazing
Annotation: This study demonstrates that control of leafy spurge may be obtained by any of the methods tested but speed and long term control vary greatly. NRCS recommended stocking rates for this overflow range site are 2.4 AUM/ha. The study used stocking rates of 2.1, 2.8 and 2.9 AUM/ ha.
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