THE ROLE OF FERTILIZER AND 2,4-D IN THE CONTROL OF PASTURE WEEDS

Abstract

A study was made of: 1) the response of some pasture weeds of Eastern Canada when fertilizers were applied; 2) the productivity of pastures sprayed with 2,4-D, and 3) the over-all response when both fertilizer and 2,4-D were applied. Populations of orange, yellow and mouse-ear hawkweeds, ox-eye daisy, chicory, bugleweed, strawberry and wild carrot were decreased when nutrients were added but the numbers of dandelion, Canada thistle, tall buttercup, shore horsetail and yarrow were unchanged. Fertilizer not only improved the quantity but also the quality of the forage by reducing the weed content. Yield of total vegetation was not increased when weeds were controlled by 2,4-D but the forage consisted almost exclusively of desirable grasses. Best results from the standpoint of both yield and absence of weeds were obtained when fertilizer treatment was supplemented by applications of 2,4-D.