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  Discussion on Commercial Weed and Feed on Pasture
Author Message
New Member:
stuart05

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 - 9:19 am:

Help, my husband (not a horse person) but commercial weed and feed on one of our pastures. The fertilizer was 28-0-4 and the herbicide is 2,4-D, Mecoprop-p and Dicamba. This pasture is irrigated and I can water it as often and for as long as needed. Does anyone know how long or how much watering it will take before I can let the horses back on this pasture?
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 - 1:51 pm:

Hi Kim,

I don't know, but if it's a commercial mix, they should list a contact number for questions. Call the company and ask for their recommendations. I often apply a multiplier to whatever number they give me, just for my own sanity. If not, try your local agricultural extension for their advice.

Good luck!

- Elizabeth
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2008 - 7:10 am:

Hello Kim,
I am not familiar with this particular combination and there are so many variables here that it is impossible to give you safe information that covers all the possibilities. The rate of application, the method of application, formulation, etc... Even how the horses are fed might effect toxicity by determining the amount of exposure. So I second Elizabeth's advice if you cannot find this information on the label contact the manufacturer or local extension.

A rule of thumb for many water soluble fertilizers and herbicides approved for use on pasture that is grazed is "one good rain" but I have no idea if it would apply here.
DrO
Member:
eoeo

Posted on Thursday, Apr 17, 2008 - 8:01 am:

water thoroughly the whole thing. After that it should be okay to put them back out. As a precaution, I would give it a week after you water to turn them back out. A second water wouldn't hurt. You want to get the residue off the grass and onto the ground. EO
New Member:
stuart05

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 - 9:53 am:

Thanks for the response - I first called my vet who was not sure and recommended calling the ASPCA poison hotline. Which I did call. They also did not have any specific information and told me to call the company. When I did call them, they said to keep the horses off the pasture for 4-6 weeks. They had no additional information concerning watering, cutting or possible impacts to the horses - which concerns me somewhat. So my game plan is to water the pasture every other day for six weeks and then put them back out for short periods of time. Lesson learned - My husband has vowed to ensure he uses horse friendly products on the pasture because now, since it is growing so fast, he has to mow at least once a week until the horses are back out.
Member:
eoeo

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 - 10:13 am:

Glad you found out. However, I believe they are being pretty conservative. You might check with you local extension agent. Have you asked others in your area what their program is for putting the horses back out? Such a waste of grass if it is 4-6 weeks. The fertilizer company here recommends one week and a good thoough watering before we put them back out. We just use fertilizer and so once it is watered into the soil we are good to go. EO
Member:
cpacer

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 - 10:59 am:

Nice to know those recommended grace periods Kim. My husband uses that stuff all the time--I have never waited that long in the past, but will now.
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