Expert: Richard Clark - 7/13/2011

Question
I have 240 acres of bermuda, costal, in western Oklhaoma.  We are experiencing the worst drought in recorded history even worse than the dust bowl days.  High temps everday 100's.  I have not been able to fertilize because I cannot afford irrigation and we have little or no rain so far this year.  My pasture has lots of weeds.  we usually combine the weed killer with the fertilizer.  I am wondering if I should go ahead and kill the weeds.  It seems to me that the weeds will take what little mositure we get not too mention hogging  nutrients.  I know I will not be able to sell any hay but would like to get enough to get my cattle through the winter. And would killing the weeds help for next years growth.  I've just never seen such a year as we have had!

Answer
Jo
I have heard of the drought you are going through. I would suggest killing the weeds. What little moisture they may be using would not conserve much but it would keep them from going to seed. Any moisture you can save might be worth the cost of spraying.
Hope you have a better year next year
Richard