Several herbicides are used to manage weeds in grass hay, chosen based on the specific weed types and the condition of the forage grass. Some popular choices include:
- 2,4-D: Widely used for broadleaf weed control and safe for grass forages if applied at the recommended rates.
- Dicamba: Effective for a range of broadleaf weeds, often used in mixtures with other herbicides like 2,4-D for enhanced control.
- Triclopyr: Found in products like Crossbow and Remedy Ultra, useful for tougher broadleaf weeds and some woody species.
- Fluroxypyr: Another component often used in mixtures for broad-spectrum broadleaf weed control.
- Metsulfuron: Good for many broadleaf weeds, available in products like Cimarron.
- Pendimethalin (Prowl H2O): Suitable for controlling annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds in established grass forages. It's applied as a pre-emergent, meaning it needs to be used before weed seeds germinate.
It's crucial to apply these herbicides at the correct time and in proper conditions to avoid damage to the hay crop and to ensure effectiveness. Always consult the specific product labels for detailed application rates, timing, and safety guidelines to avoid crop injury and adhere to legal usage requirements.