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Re: planting preparation

Ms. Green,

I think the ideas that were presented by others fit your
situation with one exception.  The formulation of glyphosate
(Roundup TM) that can be used adjacent to aquatic environments
is (Rodeo).  As many have stated, getting rid of the existing
vegetation is pivotal.  As you many already well know "getting
rid" of existing vegetation is easier said than done,
especially when the existing vegetation is comprised of
introduced, cool season perennials e.g. tall fescue, kentucky
bluegrass etc.  For this reason I would use a Rodeo spray
program to get a complete kill of the existing species.  I
would do this prior to any drastic tillage because of the
erosion hazard to the detention pond.  A very light disking to
stimulate regrowth of the existing species from the rhizomes
would be helpful.  A very light disking will break the thatch
so it can decompose but not leave the soil vulnerable to
erosion.  This will also stimulate the growth of the meristems
on the rhizomes that weren't killed by the previous
application of glyphosate.  Some have mentioned the use of
"Plateau"
as a post emergence treatment after the prairie species have
been planted.  It is a great tool.  The problem is that it
can't be used around water.  Since this isn't an option in
your case, the glyphosate program seems the most viable.  Once
you have killed the existing vegetation, you may want to
consider no-till planting your prairie species because
excessive tillage is going to cause erosion into the adjacent
detention pond.  Also by not tilling the soil into a fine
powder, you will avoid bringing more weed seeds to the surface
to compete with the new prairie.  In areas the have been
previously in turf, the weed(s) to be afraid of is crabgrass,
(Digitaria spp.).  In farm fields it is usually foxtails
(Setaria spp.).  I hope this helps.

Brett Roberts
State Conservation Agronomist
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Champaign, Illinois   


"Ruth A. Green" wrote:
> 
> I have an area that we will be restoring to prairie that has just been exotics
> and primarily hard fescue.  The area surrounds a retention pond.  I would like
> your expert advise as to the best way to prepare the site.
> I am concerned about erosion and herbicide drift into the retention pond.  This
> area is about 10 acres in size.
> I have access to tractors, plows, disks and spray equipment.  That is not a
> problem.  Thanks for your input.
> 
> "PrairieSource.com" wrote:
> 
> > I've been reading this thread on advice for planting and not seen anyone
> > mention the use of Plateau herbicide, though Roundup has been mentioned
> > freely. I've been using Plateau for 4 years now and can boast that I can
> > establish native grass stands in one growing season with the weed control
> > offered by this product. (Provided the weather cooporates)
> >
> > I particularly like a tank mix of Plateau and Roundup. Roundup provides burn
> > down of the existing vegetation and Plateau provides some residual weed
> > control. I've found, just enough weed control to allow the native grasses
> > and labeled forbs a chance to get going before the weeds invade to rob the
> > natives of their resources, water, light and nutrients.
> >
> > As most of you know, weed control is not the only factor in establishing a
> > good stand. Seedbed preparation is important too. I belive it was Mike
> > Anderson that made the all important point of removing the thatch or litter
> > before planting. Critically important for successful no-till.
> >
> > Jef Hodges
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Robert Wernerehl <rwernere@midplains.net>
> > To: <prairie@mallorn.com>
> > Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 5:51 PM
> > Subject: planting preparation
> >
> > > Hi folks,
> > >
> > > I have a friend with a large field he wants to plant with a seed drill
> > this
> > > fall. He mowed and sprayed last fall and looks like he got a pretty good
> > > kill. There is a thick layer of thatch on the field right now. He plans to
> > > spray again this summer if it greens up. Is there any point in burning off
> > > the duff now, perhaps that it would better expose what is left alive, so
> > it
> > > can be sprayed, or can it just wait until fall to burn it off before
> > > planting? Any thoughts. Thanks much.
> > >
> > > Bob Wernerehl
> > > Barneveld, Wisconsin
> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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> >
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