Johnson Grass elimination - Ask Extension
Hi there,
I'm seeking an effective, efficient, and timely way to get rid of Johnson grass that is quickly taking over fields. Ideally, I would like...
Knowledgebase
Johnson Grass elimination #881787
Asked August 16, 2024, 1:24 PM EDT
Hi there,
I'm seeking an effective, efficient, and timely way to get rid of Johnson grass that is quickly taking over fields. Ideally, I would like to avoid Roundup, etc.
I have heard of Outrider as a possibility- is this similarly toxic as Glyphosate? Is it effective? Are there better alternatives?
Thank you!
Mona
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Mona,
Is the Johnsongrass in a residential yard, or more of a pasture or farm setting? Control will likely involve a few seasons of repeated efforts, like mowing and spot-treating it with a systemic herbicide. The active ingredient in the product you mention is sulfosulfuron, and the herbicide is not labeled for use in residential settings. It will run the risk of damage to desirable plants if the spray residues contact them, as would glyphosate. We do not have local data about its toxicity in relation to other herbicides, though toxicity is greatly determined by what organism is being evaluated. (Bees, fish, aquatic invertebrates, birds, livestock, humans, etc.) Other Extension references do list sulfosulfuron as effective at controlling Johnsongrass, but we defer to the experience or expertise of an Extension specialist in pasture management, Amanda Grev, who you can contact via the info. in the linked page, to see how they recommend controlling this weed based on the circumstances of where it's growing.
Miri
Is the Johnsongrass in a residential yard, or more of a pasture or farm setting? Control will likely involve a few seasons of repeated efforts, like mowing and spot-treating it with a systemic herbicide. The active ingredient in the product you mention is sulfosulfuron, and the herbicide is not labeled for use in residential settings. It will run the risk of damage to desirable plants if the spray residues contact them, as would glyphosate. We do not have local data about its toxicity in relation to other herbicides, though toxicity is greatly determined by what organism is being evaluated. (Bees, fish, aquatic invertebrates, birds, livestock, humans, etc.) Other Extension references do list sulfosulfuron as effective at controlling Johnsongrass, but we defer to the experience or expertise of an Extension specialist in pasture management, Amanda Grev, who you can contact via the info. in the linked page, to see how they recommend controlling this weed based on the circumstances of where it's growing.
Miri
