Couch grass can dominate ryegrass-clover pasture and choke out desirable species if left unchecked.  Couch grass is a low-growing perennial with grey-green leaves and runners which root readily. It spreads rapidly by seed and runners. It is important to kill couch grass completely before sowing a new perennial pasture.  Translocated, selective herbicides have been found to be the most effective products for the control of couch grass but they will normally kill all grasses present including desirable species such as ryegrass. Non-selective herbicides such as glyphosate can also be used as part of a staged control program.  Spray in year prior to new pasture to allow ample time for effective control.

1.    Spray out the couch when it is actively growing using a chemical with glyphosate as the active constituent (see attached Roundup CT label)

2.    Leave for approximately 1 month to allow effective absorption before cultivation or a follow-up spray with more glyphosate.

3.    Scarifying or ripping the couch grass and bringing the runners to the surface is recommended to dry them out.  Rotary hoeing or discing buries the runners under the ground, where they can lie dormant for many months.

4.    A brassica or millet crop blended with clovers and or tonic plantain can be sown in spring and has the potential to produce up to 10 tonne of dry matter over the late spring summer period when the majority of feed has finished. The key is to use a competitive crop.

 This is intended as a guide only. Please consult your local agronomist for specific recommendations and always refer to the label.