Author Topic: Buttercups (Read 2742 times)

angie · « **on:** May 14, 2017, 08:31:29 am »

The field our goats browse in is becoming overrun with buttercups taking up browsing areas. Anyone got any suggestions as to what to use to eradicate them? Planning on limeing the field,anyone know the right time to do this?

Many thanks for reading this

Angie

harmony · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2017, 10:22:01 am »

They limed the fields here a couple of weeks ago. I think maybe you need to lime before the buttercups come through. Once through spraying. Your agricultural store will be able to advise, although now of course you need a licence to use sprays.

Have you had a soil PH test done?

angie · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2017, 10:51:18 am »

Hi Harmony,
Thanks for your help, not had the soil tested,but read somewhere that buttercups grow in large numbers when the soil doesn't have good nutrients and that lime would help correct this.
Angie

harmony · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2017, 12:01:01 pm »

I think that is generally correct but I think a soil test is still advisable.

angie · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2017, 12:55:09 pm »

Ok thanks

sabrina · « **Reply #5 on:** May 14, 2017, 02:14:21 pm »

Its best to spray before they come into flower.

bj_cardiff · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2017, 02:57:11 pm »

I'd spray them or graze with sheep. I'm suprised the goats don't eat them TBH

harmony · « **Reply #7 on:** May 14, 2017, 03:36:46 pm »

Buttercups are toxic to most farm animals but OK once dried in hay.

philcaegrug · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2017, 09:33:14 pm »

I've topped them regularly and now very few come up.

davet · « **Reply #9 on:** May 14, 2017, 11:06:33 pm »

Chain harrowing is supposed to disrupt them and pull up the runners. Not a solution all by itself, but in combination with other things.

Lime for the pH ofc, as already mentioned.