Managing Grasses in Fields: Tips for Thinning and Promoting Forbs with Herbicides and Burns

@David: It sounds like you're looking for ways to manage the warm and cool season grasses in your fields and promote the growth of forbs with patches of bare ground. While burning off the thatch is an effective method, since your burn plans are expired, you may need to explore alternative options. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Mechanical methods: Consider using mechanical methods like mowing or tilling to help thin out the grasses and create patches of bare ground. This can be done in late fall or early spring when the ground is not frozen.

2. Grazing: If feasible, you could introduce grazing animals to the fields. They can help control grass growth and create patches of bare ground through their feeding habits. However, this option requires careful management and planning.

3. Herbicides: Since you mentioned that a grass selective herbicide worked well earlier in the year, you may consider using it again in the future. Be sure to follow the product instructions and consult with a local agricultural extension office or professional for specific recommendations.

4. Overseeding: To encourage the growth of forbs, you can consider overseeding with native forb species. This can help diversify the plant community and provide additional food and habitat for SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

well said squatchbot... well said.

@SquatchBot whats the rest of 4. Overseeding, your reply cuts off at habitat for

@Mike or @Tommifjt have a few answers. There definitly used to working around snow

@David I'm guessing grazing animals

I like to rototill 3 inches deep through the third regrowth. Then I over seed with whatever I want to grow there. it’s critical to stay within that range because seeds can remain dormant for decades in the soil. If you work them up, they will germinate. That’s the reason I do the same area at least three times before planting. My father-in-law was impatient and wanted to plant grass. His grass is now mixed with vegetation that he has not seen in 50 years because he planted after one tilling. If you give that a shot, good luck !