Iron weeds

poorboy · Mar 23, 2001

About two years ago I talked to a distant relative about weed control. He said that out west in Ok. they used some type of wick to apply herbicide to take care of the taller weeds without killing out the legumes and the shorter grasses.
I was just wondering if anyone else knows anything about this type of applicator or has any ideas.
I've got a 50 acre bottom that has a pretty fair stand of fescue and a little clover but plan on over seeding it this fall. I don't want to kill it out or plow it under but I sure would like to thin out the ironweeds this summer so I can find ole Bessie and the rest of the herd.

cowboydoc · Mar 23, 2001

Poorboy,
Wouldn't 24d work?

poorboy · Mar 23, 2001

I have't really checked into the prices so I'm not sure how much it costs. I'm able to keep the hayfields pretty much in check but I'm looking for an economical way to keep the pastures in check since many are on hillside that I hire bushogged. Do you happen to know the price and/or the application rate? Does it also work for johnson grass? Thanks for the reply! I guess the current greenup has me thinking about late summer already.

cowboydoc · Mar 23, 2001

It's cheap. I can't remember exactly what the rate is but I'll find out. I've got all the numbers in the barn. I use it on my pastures twice a year and they stay relatively weed free. I also mow them which helps alot too. I will find the cost and amount per acre and let you know but it's the cheapest way to go.

poorboy · Mar 23, 2001

I'll try to check back in a few days. Wife's got a full slate planned for the weekend after catch-up chores and I'm expecting my new tractor on Monday. I wonder if anyone has ever changed a diaper with a FEL?
You know it's time to get in my own crib when I start posting out of my head!! I guess I have spent too much time figuring out what I can use the new loader for or justifying it to the wife this week.
Edited by poorboy on 03/23/01 11:12 PM (server time).

TraderMark · Mar 24, 2001

I think what you're looking for is a "wick bar" or a "weed wick".
All it is ... is a piece of PVC pipe (usually about a 4" pipe) with holes drilled in it that ropes fit into. Most people here put Roundup in the pipe and it wicks into the ropes, then onto the leaves of the weeds as they rub under the ropes. They make special fittings to go in the PVC pipe for the wicks to fit into and the wicks are made of a special rope so the Roundup doesn't drip onto the good plants.... see the photo below

Wick bar...aka Weed Wick

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2001

I was hoping with the topic "Iron Weeds" someone would have run into MY type of IRON WEEDS. You'd have to live in an area that was logged before. My property was logged about 1910, half was logged again in 1990 before I bought it. In the process of cleaning it up I have found what I think of as IRON WEEDS, long strands of 1 inch or more diameter wire rope ("cable"). I found one with my brush mower years ago and found a couple more with the backhoe. Also found an oil can from the old days but it was almost gone by rust and someone's foot.

del

Jag · Mar 24, 2001

Poorboy, DO NOT worry about the FEL, you will find more uses than you will ever think you could. As for the wife, all will be forgiven as soon as you move the first load of dirt, or anything else for her plants, yard or other home project.. There are very few weeks that go by where my wife does not say "Can you get your tractor and move a load..."

poorboy · Mar 24, 2001

Tradermark, I bet that is what he was talking about. I was trying to imagine something like that setup ever since. I seem to always have a couple gallons of round up on hand for multiflora roses or as Dad says multiple roses. His description is more accurate. I know it will kill johnsongrass too because I spend the time between hay cuttings spot spaying with the 4-wheeler. This may allow for more tractor time this summer or at least a good tractor project. Do you know where I can find any info. on the wick material or connections?
Jag I hope your right, Maybe I'll be able to justify some other new toys after I replace my hayrake.

Edited by poorboy on 03/24/01 08:12 PM (server time).

TraderMark · Mar 24, 2001

poorboy...
you can try http://www.agri-supply.com if there's one near you. But most any farm supply store should have them.

They list the fittings on this page I think.

Hope this helps.
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