Linseed volunteers in grass ley

[gellis888]

I have a field which was put into grass after linseed (late) last September. It hasn't established very well and the linseed volunteers, as you can imagine, have done very well not being sprayed off. I was told they could be grazed off with sheep before they get too 'stemy' in the spring. But, put the sheep in as soon as ground conditions allowed and the sheep haven't touched the linseed! There are also bare patches where establishment was poor and the groundsel is trying to flower.

There was clover in the mix but I cant see any in the field. So spraying the linseed and groundsel off could be an option? Or should I top it and not worry about the groundsel?

I was thinking I might drill over the bare patches next autumn after I see the areas actually coming well. Or should I spray now for broadleaf weeds and drill over the top with grass and clover this spring?

Appreciate any thoughts, thanks.

 

[Flat 10]

I shouldn’t imagine the linseed would survive topping. I believe starane kills linseed but whether it’s legal on your ley (probably not clover safe anyway) is another point

 

[GeorgeK]

I don't pretend to be an expert but it sounds like your main problem is patchy establishment of the grass and clover. Topping would solve the linseed problem but you will be left with bare patches where more weeds will come. I'd go for your last suggestion seeing as you can't see any clover and spray for BLW and reseed where necessary, may as well get it sorted properly now

 

[Brisel]

Fluroxypyr is approved on grass but it varies with different labels and certainly won’t help your clover. Clean up your weeds then overseed with clover later.