lespedeza

[gwithrow]

I need some suggestions on how to eliminate or control lespedeza in pastures...the cows are not eating it now, as it has gotten tall and probably not as tender as the grasses...I would like to keep this under control so other grasses can grow ...is mowing the way to go? just these areas as we are seriously low on rain?....I do not want to use round up but I need to address this problem before it takes over the whole field....

[Alice In TX/MO]

Honestly, we haven't found a way to get rid of it. Mowing won't kill it.

Here's a discussion about it:
http://www.qdma.com/forums//archive/...hp?t-9869.html

[Windy in Kansas]

I would suggest you identify the variety you wish to eliminate. If Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) it may be considered a noxious weed in your area and you will be able to receive assistance to eliminate it, i.e. cost sharing on herbicide or other.

In Kansas the labeled herbicides for pasture and rangeland are: Metsulfuron methyl (Escort XP, Ally, Cimarron), Triclopyr (Remedy, Garlon), Triclopyr + Fluroxypyr (Pasturegard). Follow label directions and precautions with use of any as per regulations and laws.

[Silvercreek Farmer]

Goats?

Using some electroplastic or other portable fencing to concentrate the cows on top of it may also get it down...

[Whisperwindkat]

I would just mow it to control it, but would not in any way eliminate it. If I were closer I would come and take some off your hands. Lespedeza seed around here is selling for between 150.00 and 360.00 a 50# bag. University of Auburn is recommending planting Sericea lespedeza due to the high tannin levels acting as a natural dewormer. Blessings, Kat

[oneokie]

Herbicide as suggested or plow in under.

[OkieDavid]

I thought serecia was listed as a noxious weed in all states? I know a study done in Oklahoma be Langston University showed good results with goats when stocked at a rate of 12-15 head/ac. Cattle will usually only eat it when very small and tender (early spring) although they will tend to eat new growth after a mowing. Be cautious about mowing- make sure you catch it before it sets seed otherwise you are defeating the control by simply spreading the seed. Chemical treatments are largely considered the best long term option.

[Sawmill Jim]

Originally Posted by Whisperwindkat

I would just mow it to control it, but would not in any way eliminate it. If I were closer I would come and take some off your hands. Lespedeza seed around here is selling for between 150.00 and 360.00 a 50# bag. University of Auburn is recommending planting Sericea lespedeza due to the high tannin levels acting as a natural dewormer. Blessings, Kat

Bet you are pricing Kobe or Korean seeds also called Jap good stuff. Didn't know they called sereca anything like Lespedeza

[Sonshine]

Wish I had some. I'd love to plant some in my goat pasture.

[agmantoo]

In an extended dry or drought situation you may be glad you have the sericea. Just keep it clipped to where it cannot form the woody stems.

[Alice In TX/MO]

The goats won't eat it when it gets tall.

[Heritagefarm]

Why do you want to get rid of Lespedeza? It is a legume and has deworming properties. Or at least, I believe it has deworming properties.

[Windy in Kansas]

Why get rid of it? Because in some areas it is a problem weed and is bad enough to have been placed on the noxious weed list which means you are required by law to actively attempt to control or eradicate it in order to prevent the spread of it.

The list of noxious weeds varies widely from state to state across the United States with only a few being on the list as noxious in all continental 48 states.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/noxiousDriver

[gwithrow]

I want to keep it under control so it does not become the predominate forage in this pasture, when it gets tall, the animals go around it..this time around, this field was 'last' on the rotation so the lespedeza is now tall enough that they are not eating it...I think ultimately it can be part of what is available to eat, but my question is, I think, whether or not to cut it back?....should I overseed? if I seed clover next winter, will that help control this? is it more aggressive than other forages? I don't think it is going away, sort of like the kudzu....the cows love that and will keep the fields completely cleaned of any creeping kudzu...

perhaps I can try to get the cows on it sooner in the season.....any idea on where I can get free goats or goats on loan?