There are, believe it or not, some weeds out there that can give you an indication of good soil. Now, this concept flies in the face of everything I believe about weeds. Weeds are that nuisance, that noxious, grass killing, pasture hating thing we all despise. I just found out that this is not necessarily true.
For instance, the presence of cockleburs is a prime indicator of a soil with a high level of Phosphorus. (It should be noted, here, that young, green cockleburs can kill a grazing pig that weighs less than 40 pounds.)
Other "good soil" weeds are: sow thistle, bull thistle, Canada thistle, California thistle, lamb's quarters, chickory (which we have), milkweed (we have this, as well and I have even seen our cows eat it), pigsweed and puslane.
These can be considered "good weeds" to have in your pastures. In fact, Kathy Voss has a website dedicated to educating your cattle to eat these weeds.
For instance, the presence of cockleburs is a prime indicator of a soil with a high level of Phosphorus. (It should be noted, here, that young, green cockleburs can kill a grazing pig that weighs less than 40 pounds.)
Other "good soil" weeds are: sow thistle, bull thistle, Canada thistle, California thistle, lamb's quarters, chickory (which we have), milkweed (we have this, as well and I have even seen our cows eat it), pigsweed and puslane.
These can be considered "good weeds" to have in your pastures. In fact, Kathy Voss has a website dedicated to educating your cattle to eat these weeds.
On the flip side, there are weeds that indicate that it is time to call in the "lime guy". These include: broomsedge, foxtail barley, common burrdock, dandelion, red sorrel, sheep sorrel (we have this one, too), and Russian thistle.
Food for thought?
3 comments:
What about quackgrass? I've learned that quackgrass is a great weed to have the animals graze on, but I don't know what the significance of this weed is in resemblance to soil quality.
Karin
I know cattle will eat it and do well with it. As for the soil, that would be worth a look into.
Scott
I know cattle will eat it and do well with it. As for the soil, that would be worth a look into.
Scott
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