By Amy BurgessSpecial to The Times

Persistent drought conditions continue to make life hard for the states livestock producers. Even with the recent rainfall, many areas are still considered in a drought because of the lack of rainfall accumulated across the last few months. Many producers pastures and hayfields are stressed, giving weeds an opportunity to take over.

When forages are not available, livestock are tempted to eat weeds, which can cause health problems. An Alabama Extension weed scientist said it is crucial that producers know how to manage weeds in their pastures.

Dr. Joyce Tredaway said weeds usually are less of a nuisance in ideal conditions.

Weeds are usually not an issue when perennial forages, such as tall fescue, bahiagrass and Bermuda grass, are growing in ideal conditions because of the dense cover they form, Tredaway said. Weed infestations are usually caused by low nutrient levels, improper soil pH, insect infestations, disease and overgrazing.

Once weeds are established and drought conditions develop, many management options are no longer available or may not be successful.

Tredaway said producers need to keep several things in mind when managing weeds.

Weeds under drought stress develop a thick, waxy cuticle to help conserve water which reduces herbicide absorption, she said. Weeds under drought stress are generally not actively growing. So, you may see control significantly reduced.

Tredaway said the first step to managing weeds is to know what weed you are dealing with.

Producers should accurately identify the weed they are trying to control. It is crucial to choose the correct herbicide, she said. Using a contact herbicide may be your best option. Drought-stressed plants do not translocate well, so using a systemic herbicide may be useless. The most important thing is to get an adequate coverage.

After drought conditions have eased, pasture or field recovery depends on several factors.

After a drought, producers should survey their fields, said Tredaway. When doing this, it is important to keep a few questions in mind:vDo you have a lot of open spaces in your pasture or hayvfield? Are open spaces filled in by winter annuals? What does your forage stand look like?

Tredaway also said producers should do soil tests and get the pH and fertility levels correct in their pastures or fields.

Soil tests tell you the pH of the soil and nutrient levels, she said. A fields pH should register between 6.3 6.7. If needed, apply lime at least 6 months prior to grass green-up. Fertility must be right in order for forages to grow at their maximum capacity.

For more information on the drought and its effects, visit http://drought.aces.edu/ or contact the Etowah County Extension Office.

Summer 4-H funshops are available for young people ages 8 to 18 who live or attend school in Etowah County. 4-H membership isnt required to participate. Call the Etowah County Extension Office for more information.

June 20: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Riverkids; Terrapin Outdoor Center; $20 per person; bring a sack lunch; registration deadline is June 15.

June 21: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., hiking the 2.9-mile Black Creek Trail at Noccalula Falls; $10 per person, includes park admission; registration deadline is June 15.

June 22-23: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., cooking and canning; Northeast Etowah Community Center; $15 per person; bring a sack lunch; registration deadline is June 15.

July 11: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., CPR, first aid and basic life support; Extension Auditorium; $10 per person, includes lunch; participants will receive certification cards; registration deadline is July 5.

July 13 and 15: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Riverkids; Terrapin Outdoor Center; $20 per person each day; bring a sack lunch; registration deadline is June 15.

July 27-30: Black Creek 4-H Archery Tournament at Noccalula Falls; call the Extension Office for more details.

For more information on this topic and many others, contact the Etowah County Extension Office, 256-547-7936 or 3200-A W. Meighan Blvd., Gadsden. Amy Burgess is extension coordinator for the Etowah County Extension Office.

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EXTENSION CORNER: It's crucial for producers to know how to manage weeds - Gadsden Times