Weed Control: Safe sprays need not affect clover

More than 70% of farmers who do not use herbicides on their grassland say they do not have faith in clover safe herbicides.

However, Nufarm’s Brent Gibbon says there are a number of sprays on the market which cannot only kill production-inhibiting weeds, but also safeguard the clover.

“Some farmers favour spraying new leys with a non-clover safe spray and then stitching in clover later.

However, this can make clover establishment difficult, especially if there is a lack of rain,” he says.

“If a farmer definitely wants clover in the seed mix, we have a clover safe herbicide that works well.”

Essential

Cheshire farmer Chris Blythe believes clover is an essential component in his grass mixes and adds white clover to a blend of intermediate and late heading perennial rye-grasses, plus Timothy. He has been using clover safe sprays for a number of years.

“I’ve always had clover in the sward. It adds palatability, depth to the crop and adds nitrogen to the soil,” he says. “I’ve never had problems using sprays or with the clover dying.”

Weed control is part of Mr Blythe’s strategy to produce quality fresh grass and silage