Mowing 2 acres-- mulching vs. bagging foxtail residue

[plowhog]

Spent $400 getting a foxtail out of our new pup's ear Friday. So now I am in a war on foxtails.

The foxtails in my pasture is a mixture-- a few areas with many foxtails, and other areas with much fewer but also widely dispersed. Having to deal with them widely dispersed is a challenge no matter what method I try. They are not predominant enough to kill the entire pasture then start over.

I'm pursuing and researching spot herbicide treatments, etc. But I'm also concerned that with pasture mowing, it only cuts off the dreaded foxtail, leaving the hazardous part on the ground.

Is it reasonable to consider bagging and removing the cut debris? I have a little under 2 acres I mow. I have no idea how much debris that would generate if I did rear-discharge into a bagging system. Or even what kind of mower might be best if I chose to do that. But also thinking it might take away some of the hazardous foxtail residue if I do this?

Any thoughts?

 

[2manyrocks]

Foxtail control in pastures and hayground

Foxtail is a problematic grass in pastures and hayground, and infestations need immediate attention. Small infestations of foxtail should be spot treated, while larger infestations require whole pasture renovation. This informational paper describes proper foxtail management and control in a...

extension.oregonstate.edu

Looks like they recommend herbicide and say that mowing just makes seeds on a shorter stalk.

 

[plowhog]

Foxtail control in pastures and hayground

Foxtail is a problematic grass in pastures and hayground, and infestations need immediate attention. Small infestations of foxtail should be spot treated, while larger infestations require whole pasture renovation. This informational paper describes proper foxtail management and control in a...

extension.oregonstate.edu

Looks like they recommend herbicide and say that mowing just makes seeds on a shorter stalk.

I agree. And I am spot treating already.

But I also mow periodically, kicking up and spreading dangerous foxtails even if they are dead. Even when spot treated with herbicide, the dangerous part of the foxtail remains. The alternative is digging them all up.

So I'm curious about bagging that during mowing-- but have no guess about whether that would be effective, or how much volume it might be?

 

[dodge man]

It seems like if you mow it they don’t go to seed? I’m not sure but I don’t think I’ve seen it get the seed heads if mowed regular.

 

[2manyrocks]

Do you already have a bagging mower? If not, I tend to think your best option for fast relief is to maybe spray it and then turn it under with a plow if you have one.

 

[plowhog]

I’m not sure but I don’t think I’ve seen it get the seed heads if mowed regular.

I'm only learning about this myself. But I read that if you mow, the foxtails resprout new heads, just shorter.

So mowing isn't any sort of long term solution. I think that needs to come from herbicide or digging. I'm just trying to hit this every way possible.

I also read that wherever foxtails are, there are probably enough seeds for multiple generations thereafter. So even if you stay on it, it might be several seasons before you have good control.

 

[dodge man]

I had to Google foxtail and dogs to understand all the problems. I’m pretty sure I see it around here just not in my yard. I spray for weeds but to be honest my yard is never close to weed free.

 

[dodge man]

Went for a walk tonight and saw this alongside my driveway. Just a couple inches high. It’s probably one of those things that sprouts in my yard on occasion and I just don’t notice. I don’t see much of it though.

 

[2manyrocks]

I hadn't given it much thought, either, until this thread. But saw some in our fenced dog area which I just pulled up.

 

[Torvy]

I don't remember this being a problem growing up. Every pasture had a ton of foxtail. I don't see it down here though. Never even heard of problems for dogs. They're a PITA at times with some clothes. What's changed?