It is important to identify the plants that you are targeting. This will help you to know what the life cycle is of the plants so that you can determine the best way to control the plants.
Annuals
Annuals are prolific seed producers. Therefore the goal is to prevent seed production. This can be done with mowing, grazing, disking or spraying. The key is to address the plants before seed is produced.
Biennials
Biennials are a two year plant. Therefore they also reproduce through seed production. The biennials respond to digging and spraying.
Perennials
There are two types of perennials, simple and creeping. Simple perennials come up from the same taproot every year, such as dandelions. Creeping perennials increase in size through an extensive root system, such as Canada thistle.
Simple Perennial
Simple perennials spread through seed production and will always be there with the same root. Therefore simple perennials are best addressed with herbicides, unless you do not mind having the plant in your fields. Then grazing or mowing maybe a viable option for control.
Creeping Perennial
Creeping perennials are best addressed with multiple efforts. Such as grazing or mowing through out the growing season followed up with a fall herbicide treatment. Or it may be appropriate to implement a deep plowing operation followed up with a spray application once there has been re-growth.
