| You need to know what type of soil is on your farm. | | | | because the burrs get into the alpaca fleece, and |
| Soils can vary widely, even within the same acre. The | | | | fleece with burrs has no commercial value. It's best |
| type of soil will influence: | | | | to start controlling and eliminating weeds in early |
| - Type and quantity of grass that the land can | | | | Spring to prevent the production of weed seeds. |
| produce | | | | Most weeds are annuals that propagate by producing |
| - How easily the soil can erode | | | | seed. If you cut the weeds before they go to seed, |
| - How well water drains from the soil | | | | you have eliminated many of next year's weeds. I |
| - How often irrigation or water sprinkling is needed | | | | recommend the use of a collection unit behind your |
| - What type and how much fertilizer is required | | | | riding mower, so that cut weed seeds are not left on |
| The different types of soil are sand, silt, clay and | | | | the ground. Instead put cut weeds into a compost |
| loam. The predominant type of soil at your farm | | | | pile. However, weed control by itself is not enough. |
| determines its water drainage, nutrient holding | | | | You also need to change what caused weeds to |
| capacity, and irrigation needs. Sand is the largest | | | | become established on your land. Listed below are |
| particle in the soil. When rubbed, it feels rough | | | | some other ways to control weeds |
| because it has sharp edges. Sandy soil doesn't hold | | | | Prevention. Avoid over-grazing your alpacas, so they |
| many nutrients. Silt is a medium-sized soil particle, | | | | don't create bare spots for weeds. Buy weed free |
| whose size is between sand and clay. Silt feels | | | | hay. Plant certified seed. Wash your vehicles after |
| smooth and powdery. When wet it feels smooth but | | | | being in a weed-infested area. Monitor your property |
| not sticky. Clay is the smallest of particles. Clay is | | | | and respond quickly to any new weed infestations. |
| smooth when dry and sticky when wet. Soils high in | | | | Mechanical. Mow weeds regularly before they go to |
| clay content are called heavy soils. Clay also can hold | | | | seed. Typically different types of weeds will emerge |
| a lot of nutrients, but doesn't let air and water | | | | as the season changes. Pull small weed patches and |
| through it well. Loam is a combination of all three. | | | | weeds near streams by hand to prevent the seeds |
| The type of soil can be judged by feel. The fertility | | | | from propagating downstream. Another effective |
| of your soil must be determined by testing. Contact | | | | non-chemical technique is to cover weed or briar |
| your local county agricultural extension agent to | | | | patches with tarpaulins until they die, although it is |
| determine sources for conducting soil testing. This | | | | necessary to reseed the bare ground that this |
| service is free. | | | | produces to keep weeds from becoming |
| Soil Amendments | | | | re-established. |
| After your soil has been analyzed, you can determine | | | | Herbicides. Use of certain herbicides requires a |
| what amendments to apply on your farm. Lime is | | | | pesticide applicator's license from your state. |
| crushed limestone that will raise the Ph level of your | | | | Improper use of herbicides can make your alpacas |
| soil. The soil test will also help you decide which | | | | sick or cause death. |
| fertilizer blend of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus | | | | Herbicides can be effective when properly applied. |
| to apply to the soil and how many pounds per acre | | | | Read the label instructions carefully and follow |
| are required. | | | | directions. Use chemicals away from water to avoid |
| The next best soil amendment is to apply compost | | | | harming you, your alpacas, and to prevent pollution of |
| to add natural nutrients and to move both sandy and | | | | streams and ground water. Only certified pesticide |
| clay soils towards the ideal of a loamy soil. You | | | | applicators can use restricted herbicides. Call a local |
| should collect and compost alpaca manure and | | | | farm supply store to find out about hiring custom |
| mower grass clippings. Let your compost rest all | | | | chemical applicators to spray your weeds. Be sure |
| year, and then spread it in very early Spring. I | | | | herbicides will not reach and kill desirable trees and |
| recommend the use of a mechanical manure | | | | shrubs. Dispose of leftover chemicals at hazardous |
| spreader that you can drag behind a riding lawn | | | | waste facilities, or as instructed on the label |
| mower. | | | | directions. Keep your alpacas off sprayed areas long |
| Controlling Weeds | | | | enough to insure that the herbicides have dissipated |
| Weeds rob nutrients from the soil. Weeds that bear | | | | to a safe level. Length of time for animal removal will |
| burrs are very detrimental to alpaca ranching, | | | | be on the label directions. |