Control woody plants on rangeland: Basal bark and cut-stump herbicide applications
Fall can be an excellent time to treat unwanted stands of woody plants on rangeland. Learn about two different treatment methods: basal bark and cut-stump applications.
Identification and control of buckbrush and western snowberry in Kansas
Buckbrush and western snowberry are native shrubs found in Kansas. Both species occur on rangelands and as an understory species in woodlands. Buckbrush and western snowberry are generally considered undesirable in areas being grazed by cattle.
Control woody plants on rangeland: Basal bark and cut-stump herbicide applications
Late summer and fall can be an excellent time to treat unwanted stands of woody plants. Scattered stands of individual trees should either be treated individually using the basal bark method or the cut stump treatment method.
Profiles in Soil: Home on the Range with the Lancaster soil
This article highlights the Lancaster soil series. This soil is found throughout central Kansas, mainly on hillslopes. An eye-catching feature of the Lancaster are the bright red colors seen throughout its profile. Learn more about this Kansas rangeland soil in this article: Profiles in Soil.
Considerations for Pasture Turn-out
It has been a late spring in 2022 across most of Kansas. Lack of fall and winter moisture has delayed plant growth this spring. Now the question is when should I turn-out livestock on my pastures? Historically, this decision has been referred to as range readiness, especially on seasonally grazed pastures. Range readiness occurs when plants have had the opportunity to make good growth and grazing may begin without damage to the vegetation or soil. As pastures start to green-up the temptation is to start grazing as soon as possible. Initially, plants use stored food reserves to start growth. Read more about how to make the best decision for your pastures and livestock considerations.
Control options for roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac
Two common brush species native to Kansas and widely spread across the state are roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) and smooth sumac (Rhus glabra). Roughleaf dogwood is a shrub that can reach 15 feet in height. Smooth sumac will grow to a height of 5-7 feet. The optimum time to spray both species is between the flower bud stage and early seed production. Be on the lookout for roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac and implement a control plan if needed.
Early summer control of sericea lespedeza using herbicides
Sericea lespedeza is a major invasive species of concern on rangeland, pasture, and some CRP acres in Kansas. This Category C noxious weed infests over 658,000 acres in Kansas. Sericea lespedeza has a tremendous seed bank that helps reestablish stands. As a noxious weed in Kansas, sericea lespedeza needs to be controlled.
Control woody plants on rangeland: Basal bark and cut-stump herbicide applications
Late summer and fall can be an excellent time to treat unwanted stands of woody plants. Scattered stands of individual trees should either be treated individually using the basal bark method (for labeled plants less than 4-6 inches in diameter) or the cut stump treatment method.
Learn to identify rangeland and pasture grasses of Kansas
A recently revised publication that serves as comprehensive identification guide for range and pasture grasses in Kansas is available to purchase or as a free download. The publication, "Rangeland and Pasture Grasses of Kansas", was written by Dr. Walt Fick, professor and extension specialist in range management
Want more forage? Kill some cedars
Eastern redcedar is the only evergreen tree native to Kansas and is a major component of an alarming wave of woody plant expansion in grasslands. During drought years, rangeland grasses may go dormant but cedar trees often stay green and continue using water. Controlling the growth of cedars in pastures is important, especially during a summer drought like we saw in 2022.
Native grasses: Factors for successful stand establishment
Establishment is the most important phase to ensure system longevity when planning the long-term use of a seeded native grass stand. Native grass pastures can take up to four years to become fully established. Several factors need to be considered for successful native grass stand establishment.
Native grasses: Management factors during and after stand establishment
This article discusses management factors that are important during and after stand establishment of native grasses. Overgrazing and weed control are the two most important considerations during establishment. After establishment, seeded areas should be managed to promote tillering and to keep the soil covered.
Early summer control of sericea lespedeza using herbicides
Sericea lespedeza is a major invasive species of concern on rangeland, pasture, and some CRP acres in Kansas. This Category C noxious weed infests over 465,000 acres in Kansas. Control efforts should be directed at reducing or eliminating new infestations as well as using approved control methods on established populations.
Control woody plants on rangeland: Basal bark and cut-stump herbicide applications
Late summer and fall can be an excellent time to treat unwanted stands of woody plants. Scattered stands of individual trees should be treated individually using the basal bark method (for labeled plants less than 4-6 inches in diameter) or the cut stump treatment method.