Switchgrass

[Sligh1]

Ive got 2 stands total of 17 acres going into 2nd growing season. Most of it was pretty clean as I planted later in summer and had put atrazine down. Some of it had foxtail come on pretty strong late though I let it go.

What should I be looking for going into spring to make sure I get a good clean start for the switch stands? Obviously broadleaf control as needed but anything beyond that I should be doing?
RC big rock from @IowaBowHunter1983
Main reason I as is IU am considering doing an additional 10 acre but dont want to take that on (time and $) if I need to take care of this baby first.

Thanks

2nd year switch really doesn’t need much in most cases. Foxtail “peters out” & USUALLY by a significant amount the 2nd year. I usually do 0 second year if it’s a thick stand. Ignore some weeds. If they are bad… I’ll spray probably duracor for broadleaves now & id hit foxtail with quinclorac & meth seed oil. Bet u don’t need to do anything though.

 

[IowaBowHunter1983]

2nd year stand if smothered by foxtail id burn it late and walk away. If not smothered, fine to do nothing.

 

[deep woods goat hunter]

2nd year stand if smothered by foxtail id burn it late and walk away. If not smothered, fine to do nothing.

Late burn like june/july?

 

[Snail3496]

2nd year stand if smothered by foxtail id burn it late and walk away. If not smothered, fine to do nothing.

this ^^ works like a charm

 

[Tmayer13]

Late burn like june/july?

No...late burn as in late spring right before the switch germinates.

 

[deep woods goat hunter]

No...late burn as in late spring right before the switch germinates.

10-4 Im in north central mo. I would assume middle of May would be right?

 

[Daver]

10-4 Im in north central mo. I would assume middle of May would be right?

In Southern Iowa, the "safe" date for switchgrass germination was told to me to be May 10th. Early, or late, Springtime conditions could influence that date. But I always found it to be "right in there" in terms of accuracy/validity.

 

[Tmayer13]

In Southern Iowa, the "safe" date for switchgrass germination was told to me to be May 10th. Early, or late, Springtime conditions could influence that date. But I always found it to be "right in there" in terms of accuracy/validity.

The issue with this is with the "new" switch varieties like Big Rock. Its quite a bit more vigorous and seems to "wake up" a bit earlier than other varieties previously did. I would say burning No later than the 1st in Iowa.