Mow or spray to keep brush out of CRP fields?

[dieselscout80]

I wonder if mowing mostly and then maybe spray in the fall if needed when the brush/weeds are storing nutrients in their roots and the nesting is over with?

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-07-16/pdf/2015-17317.pdf

‘‘Permissive Uses.’’ The intent is to ensure that CRP land is not used for activities that would tend to defeat the conservation purposes of CRP, while allowing limited activities that are consistent with CRP goals, such as grazing to control invasive species. Permissive uses must be consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat, including habitat during the nesting season for certain categories of birds in the area."

"Nesting season means the nesting season for birds in the local area that are economically significant, in significant decline, or conserved in accordance with Federal or State law."

 

[j13smiley]

Appears to be an expensive upgrade that will only get used once per year...?

 

[CliffordK]

Are there certain invasive species you wish to target? Perhaps talk to the state extension service.

 

[Hay Dude]

My 30 years of experience with this has shown me more frequent mowings result in less weeds, BUT it must be frequent AND it takes years.

Spraying has an immediate effect. Mowing is a slow effect.

 

[forgeblast]

We did CREP, just finished 15 years. we were allowed one small access lane to mow and the rest we planted trees on. We were not allowed to mow and had to spray invasives or keep them under control. It was with our department of ag, so i would contact them and see if there is a time they recommend to mow.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I have nothing to add except for if you are only cutting once a year, and you don't have another use for a larger cutter, I would just keep the 6'. The 10 foot would be faster but that's a lot of expense to shave half a day off a 2 day annual project. But, you may have more disposable income than I do,