How to Get Rid of Broom Sedge?
Removing broom sedge requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on improving soil health, utilizing targeted herbicides, and implementing consistent management practices. The key is to understand that simply killing the existing plants isn’t enough; preventing their return through soil amendment and vigilant monitoring is critical for long-term success.
Understanding Broom Sedge: A Stubborn Invader
Broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus) isn’t actually a sedge, but a native warm-season perennial bunchgrass. While native, it’s often considered a weed because it thrives in poor, acidic soil conditions, particularly pastures and fields that have been overgrazed or neglected. Its distinctive reddish-brown color in the fall and winter makes it easy to spot, but also signals its presence as an indicator of underlying soil problems. Understanding its life cycle and the conditions that favor its growth is crucial for effective control. It spreads primarily through seeds, which are readily dispersed by wind, animals, and equipment.
Why Control Broom Sedge? Weighing the Benefits
While broom sedge can provide some wildlife habitat and erosion control on severely degraded land, its presence typically signifies a decline in pasture quality and overall land health. Controlling broom sedge offers several key benefits:
- Improved Forage Production: Removing broom sedge allows desirable forage grasses and legumes to thrive, leading to increased yields and better nutritional value for livestock.
- Enhanced Soil Health: Addressing the underlying soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies that favor broom sedge promotes a more balanced and fertile environment.
- Reduced Fire Hazard: Dried broom sedge is highly flammable, posing a significant fire risk, especially in late fall and winter. Control measures reduce this hazard.
- Increased Land Value: A pasture or field free of broom sedge is more visually appealing and has a higher economic value.
The Broom Sedge Removal Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting rid of broom sedge requires a combination of strategies implemented over time. Here’s a detailed approach:
- Soil Testing: Conduct a thorough soil test to determine the pH level, nutrient deficiencies, and overall soil health. This is absolutely essential to identify the root cause of the problem.
- Soil Amendment: Based on the soil test results, apply lime to raise the soil pH to the recommended level for your desired forage species (typically between 6.0 and 6.5). Also, add necessary nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium.
- Herbicide Application: Use a selective herbicide labeled for broom sedge control. Glyphosate (Roundup) can be effective for spot treatments, but be cautious as it’s non-selective and will kill desirable plants as well. Imazapyr (e.g., Arsenal) is a more potent option for heavier infestations, but also carries risks to desirable vegetation. Always follow label instructions exactly.
- Overseeding: After herbicide application, overseed with desirable forage species appropriate for your region and soil conditions. This helps to fill in the gaps left by the broom sedge and outcompete new seedlings.
- Fertilization: After seeding, fertilize according to soil test recommendations to promote rapid growth of the desirable forage.
- Mowing/Grazing Management: Implement a proper grazing management system to prevent overgrazing, which can exacerbate broom sedge problems. Regular mowing can also help to control seed production and weaken the plants.
- Monitor and Repeat: Regularly monitor the area for new broom sedge seedlings or regrowth and repeat herbicide applications and overseeding as needed. Consistent effort is key.
Herbicide Options: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right herbicide depends on the severity of the infestation, the presence of desirable vegetation, and your overall management goals.
| Herbicide | Active Ingredient | Selective/Non-Selective | Effectiveness | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roundup | Glyphosate | Non-Selective | Good | Kills all vegetation; best for spot treatments or complete renovation. |
| Chaparral | Aminopyralid + Metsulfuron Methyl | Selective | Very Good | Controls broom sedge and many broadleaf weeds; generally safe for most grasses. |
| Pastora | Nicosulfuron | Selective | Excellent | Controls broom sedge and many broadleaf weeds; generally safe for most grasses. |
| Imazapyr (Arsenal) | Imazapyr | Non-Selective | Excellent | Highly effective for heavy infestations but can damage or kill desirable vegetation; use with extreme caution. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can hinder broom sedge control efforts:
- Ignoring Soil Health: Treating the symptom (broom sedge) without addressing the underlying cause (poor soil) will lead to recurring problems.
- Improper Herbicide Application: Applying the wrong herbicide, using the wrong rate, or failing to follow label instructions can result in ineffective control or damage to desirable plants.
- Lack of Follow-Up: Failing to monitor the area and repeat treatments as needed will allow broom sedge to reestablish.
- Overgrazing: Overgrazing weakens desirable plants and creates bare ground, providing an ideal environment for broom sedge to thrive.
- Poor Seedbed Preparation: Failing to prepare a proper seedbed before overseeding can result in poor germination and establishment of desirable forage.
Understanding the Economic Impact of Broom Sedge
The presence of broom sedge significantly impacts the economic viability of pastures and hayfields. Reduced forage production directly translates to lower livestock carrying capacity or increased feed costs. The cost of control measures, including soil testing, amendments, herbicides, and labor, must be weighed against the potential benefits of improved forage production and land value. Investing in long-term soil health is often more cost-effective than repeated herbicide applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is broom sedge harmful to livestock?
While broom sedge is not directly poisonous to livestock, it is generally unpalatable and provides little nutritional value. Animals will typically avoid grazing it, leading to reduced overall forage intake and potential weight loss.
Will burning get rid of broom sedge?
Burning can top-kill broom sedge and remove accumulated thatch, but it will not eradicate it. The plants will typically resprout from their root crowns. Burning can be a useful management tool in combination with other methods, but is not a standalone solution.
How long does it take to get rid of broom sedge completely?
Eradicating broom sedge completely can take several years of consistent effort and may not always be possible. The key is to focus on long-term control through soil improvement and proper management practices. Expect to see significant improvements within the first year, but be prepared for ongoing maintenance.
Can I control broom sedge without using herbicides?
While challenging, it is possible to control broom sedge without herbicides through intensive management practices. This involves aggressive liming and fertilization to improve soil health, frequent mowing to prevent seed production, and strategic grazing to favor desirable plants. However, this approach requires significant labor and commitment and may not be effective for heavy infestations.
What is the best time of year to apply herbicide for broom sedge control?
The best time to apply herbicide is typically in the late summer or early fall, when the broom sedge plants are actively growing and translocating nutrients to their root systems. This allows the herbicide to be more effectively absorbed and distributed throughout the plant. However, always consult the herbicide label for specific recommendations.
How do I prevent broom sedge from coming back?
Preventing broom sedge from returning requires ongoing vigilance and consistent management practices. This includes maintaining proper soil pH and nutrient levels, avoiding overgrazing, controlling weed infestations, and regularly monitoring for new broom sedge seedlings.
What are the best forage species to plant after controlling broom sedge?
The best forage species to plant depend on your region, soil type, and livestock needs. Common options include tall fescue, orchardgrass, clover, and alfalfa. Choose species that are well-adapted to your local climate and soil conditions and that provide high-quality forage for your animals.
How often should I lime my pasture to prevent broom sedge?
The frequency of liming depends on your soil type and the rate at which the pH declines. A general recommendation is to conduct soil tests every 2-3 years and apply lime as needed to maintain the desired pH level.
Is broom sedge more common in certain types of soil?
Broom sedge thrives in acidic, infertile soils that are low in phosphorus and other essential nutrients. It is particularly common in sandy or gravelly soils that are poorly drained or prone to erosion.
Can I use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent broom sedge?
Pre-emergent herbicides are generally not effective for controlling broom sedge, as it is a perennial plant that reproduces primarily through seeds and rhizomes. Post-emergent herbicides are the most effective option for controlling existing broom sedge plants.
How can I tell the difference between broom sedge and other grasses?
Broom sedge is characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown color in the fall and winter, its bunchgrass growth habit, and its seedheads that resemble a broom. Other grasses typically have a greener color and a more uniform growth pattern. Consult a local extension agent or weed identification guide for assistance.
What if I have a small patch of broom sedge?
For small patches of broom sedge, hand-pulling or spot-treating with glyphosate may be sufficient. Be sure to remove the entire plant, including the root system, to prevent regrowth. Also, improve the soil health in the affected area to prevent future infestations.