What Kills Weeds But Not Clover

When seeking to improve habitat and nutrition from clover food plots, weeds must be actively controlled, yet this could be a potentially tricky task. Clover can fix nitrogen, which benefits the soil and associated plants in wildlife areas, although clover doesn’t fare well against weeds.

Now, plotters and hunters need to prevent weeds and feed clover. But broadleaf herbicides like 24D that will kill the weed growth in food plots, and grass plots also kill legumes like clover.

So, properly controlling grasses and weeds, broadleaves requires targeted herbicide programs. With advanced planning to apply the right product over actively growing weeds at the correct stage, it is possible to remove vegetation without harming stands.

In our guide, we believe you’ll see how the proper herbicide provides weed control without harming stands of clover and other desirable broadleaf plants. By the end, you’ll see how to combat grasses and what kills weeds but not clover. (Read How Long Does It Take For Bleach To Kill Weeds)

What is Clover?

Clover is a legume that forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. The bacteria convert nitrogen from the air into ammonium through nodules on the clover roots. In return, the bacteria receive sugars from the clover’s photosynthesis. This nitrogen fixation fertilizes plants growing near clover.

Red clover and white clover are commonly used in wildlife food plots. You’ll find out of all a Ladino white clover food plot is preferred by deer because of its palatability and nutrition. On average, clover can fix 30-150 pounds of nitrogen per acre. This helps fertilize grasses and other plants intermixed with clover in the food plot.

What Is Whitetail Institute’s Arrest MAX Herbicide?

Whitetail Institute’s Arrest MAX herbicide is an effective selective grass herbicide used in the control of most actively growing grass weeds. Luckily, it is a clover-safe weed killer that won’t kill clover chicory, broadleaf forbs, alfalfa, or any Whitetail Institute perennial food plot.

It is a weed killer weed killer that wont kill plants you want to keep like clover. This product comprises three active ingredients – flumioxazin, imazethapyr, and glyphosate. However, using herbicides on food plots can often kill everything.

Flumioxazin and imazethapyr control many broadleaf species of weeds without harming grasses or clover. Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that will kill any type of plant it contacts.

With proper application techniques, Arrest MAX can selectively remove weeds from clover. The flumioxazin and imazethapyr will kill broadleaf weeds while not damaging the clover. Avoiding contact with the clover leaves prevents glyphosate from harming the crop.

Keep this in mind, as timing and application methods for food plot weed control are critical for success when using Arrest MAX.

Will 24db Kill Clover?

Hunters or food plot owners will ask, what herbicide will not kill clover, or specifically, does 2 4 D kill clover? You can see the above covers the first part of this question, yet 24d herbicide is another product used for broadleaf weed control in grass pastures, cereal crops, and corn.

However, even small amounts of 24d can kill certain legumes like clover and alfalfa.

It is a selective herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds, where 24d causes leaf twisting, stem curvature, and growth abnormalities in broadleaf plants besides just weeds.

So, never use 24d or similar broadleaf selective herbicides in mixed grass and clover food plots. Yet, 2,4-D is a selective herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds without harming grass. When used correctly, it is great for controlling broadleaf weeds in pure stands of clover.

When looking at other selective broadleaf herbicides like dicamba, triclopyr, and aminopyralid could also potentially kill or harm clover or other existing vegetation in a food plot. In gardens, you may come across, does weed and feed kill clover? It could do as here, clover may be the undesirable element.

Always thoroughly check the label before applying any broadleaf herbicide near desirable legume species. Only use products specifically labeled as safe for the particular clover type planted. (Learn How To Get Rid Of White Clovers Without Destroying The Lawn)

How To Kill Weeds In A Clover Field

Controlling weeds in established clover food plots requires careful herbicide selection and proper application techniques. Here are some recommendations for removing weeds from clover without causing damage.

1. Pre-emergent Herbicide Benefin

Benefin is a pre-emergent herbicide that controls many broadleaf and grass weeds. It prevents seeds from germinating and is an ideal choice for killing weeds as they emerge. Benefin does not harm established clover, allowing it to smother new weeds.

Apply Benefin shortly after initially planting clover or very early in the spring before weeds have a chance to germinate. Residual weed control typically lasts 8–12 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. This gives the clover time to grow and outcompete weeds without further treatment.

2. Post-emergent EPTC for Grass Weeds

EPTC is a selective herbicide that removes grass weeds from broadleaf crops, including clover and alfalfa. It is applied after grasses have already emerged. EPTC works by inhibiting root growth rather than acting as a contact herbicide. Include a crop oil concentrate when spraying EPTC to maximize weed control.

Time EPTC application before annual grasses exceed 2-3 inches and perennial grasses surpass the 4-6 inch stage. Spraying smaller, actively growing grasses prevents yield loss from early competition with the clover. EPTC does not affect broadleaf weeds.

3. 2,4-DB for Broadleaf Weeds

2,4-DB is a selective broadleaf herbicide made to harm broadleaf species in clover and other legumes. It acts slower than some broadleaf herbicides, targeting young, actively growing plants less than 4 inches tall. Larger, mature weeds are less affected.

An advantage of 2,4-DB is that it does no harm to established grasses. Tank mixing 2,4-DB with a grass herbicide like Sethoxydim gives broad-spectrum control in mixed grass and clover plots without damage. Time sequential applications for maximum weed coverage as plants reach susceptible sizes.

Controlling Grasses and Broadleaves in Clover

Dealing with both grasses and broadleaves requires utilizing multiple herbicides together. Combining non-selective and selective options provides complete control of all weed food plot species.

Non-selective Herbicides

Non-selective herbicides, such as glyphosate, kill any plant they touch. Use a shielded sprayer to allow application over the top of the clover without contact. Herbicide misters and wiper applicators let you remove weeds next to desirable vegetation.

Careful application prevents the clover from absorbing herbicide through the leaves while controlling nearby weeds. Proper identification of weeds ensures maximum removal without wasting product. Weed wiping is slower but useful for scattered infestations.

Selective Grass Herbicides

Sethoxydim and clethodim are used for hard-to-kill grasses, leaving broadleaf plants like clover unaffected. Apply before annual grasses exceed 4-6 inches, and perennial grasses grow larger than 6-10 inches. Actively growing smaller grasses are most readily controlled.

Adding crop oil concentrate makes sethoxydim and clethodim more effective. Some weeds may require a second application. Tank mixing or alternating grass and broadleaf selective herbicides give season-long control.

Broadleaf Selective Herbicide Options

Numerous selective broadleaf herbicides can remove weed species from clover stands, including:

• Flumioxazin
• Bentazon
• Imazethapyr
• Oxyfluorfen

Check labels to verify the specific clover variety has tolerance before applying any product. Combining broadleaf herbicides with tillage or a grass herbicide manages both types of weeds. Rotate herbicides each season to prevent weed resistance.

Pay attention to how a pesticide affects a common food plot, as the effects can be accidental as much as intentional. In testing, we sprayed Clethodim and Butyrac 200 on a ladino white clover food plot, and after 10 days, some clover leaves died and burned. (Learn How Long Does Glyphosate Take To Work)

Preventing Unintended Herbicide Effects

Follow all label recommendations exactly when using herbicides near desirable vegetation. Only apply recommended application rates over the top of tolerant species. Avoid any contact with foliage or herbicide absorption through leaves.

Wait a minimum of 10 days after spraying for weed control before planting clover. Account for herbicide soil residual periods, and do not plant too soon. Light irrigation after application prevents the concentration of any herbicide residue in the soil from damaging newly seeded clover.

Food Plot Herbicide Considerations

The popularity of food plots is the availability of crops like corn and soybeans, so ensure they are a glyphosate-resistant type when doing any weed control.

Weeds compete with clover, reducing the nutrition and attractiveness of food plots for wildlife. A good weed management plan is crucial for maximizing clover growth and soil health. This requires advanced planning and close adherence to herbicide labels.

Keeping detailed spray records helps guide future product choices. Rotating clover with row crops enables the use of non-selective herbicides to start with a clean field. In established stands, herbicide rotation and tank mixing aid resistance management.

When you need to spray precisely, invest in quality spray equipment from farm supply stores that enables accurate application to remove weeds without waste or crop injury. Nozzle selection, boom height adjustment, travel speed, and proper wind conditions improve precision placement.

Weed Control Tips for Food Plots

Here are key points to remember for food plotters and hunters who want to control weeds in clover food plots:

1. Match herbicide selection to the specific weed species infesting the clover stand. Pre-emergent options prevent new weeds, while post-emergents remove existing vegetation.
2. Selective grass herbicides like sethoxydim and clethodim are used for stubborn grass control, not broadleaf plants. Time your application before grasses exceed optimum size for control.
3. Broadleaf selective herbicides containing flumioxazin or oxyfluorfen target broadleaves but not grasses or clover.
4. Non-selective herbicides kill any plant tissue they contact. Use shielded and hooded sprayers to avoid clover injury or where it could kill corn food production areas.
5. Always carefully follow herbicide labels, applying at recommended growth stages and rates. Check for clover tolerance.
6. Rotate herbicides and use multiple modes of action to prevent weed resistance. Add cultivation or mowing rather than relying solely on herbicides.
7. Remember, what kills clover but not grass may not be suitable for food plots. Always read the labels.

Effective weed control maximizes clover productivity and nutrition for wildlife. With care, caution, and proper practices, problem weeds can be removed from clover stands without damage to the crop. Weed management improves habitat, forage, and hunting opportunities. (Read When To Water After Applying Weed And Feed)

Final Thoughts

When controlling weeds in clover food plots, you’ll need to think about weed control and using the right herbicide options to avoid accidental damage. Start clean by controlling weeds before planting with non-selective glyphosate or tillage.

Once clover is established, utilize pre-emergent benefin to prevent new weeds. Then, target actively growing broadleaf and grass weeds with post-emergent herbicides like 2,4-DB, sethoxydim, and oxyfluorfen at the right growth stages.

Avoid products containing 24d or dicamba that harm legumes. Follow herbicide labels exactly and use shielded sprayers with non-selectives.

Proper planning, rotation, and application allow you to use a weed killer that doesn’t kill clover. Now, you can remove weeds from clover stands without stunting delicate forage species that deer seek. Alternatively, if you want a nice lawn, you’ll need to know what will kill clover but not grass.

FAQs

How soon after spraying weeds can I plant clover?

Wait at least 10 days after herbicide application without harming clover in the process of planting. Account for herbicide residue in the soil after spraying and before seeding. Light irrigation helps prevent damage to clover and grass when they are this small.

What herbicide can I use over the top of clover?

Products containing flumioxazin or bentazon can be applied over established tolerant clover varieties to control broadleaf weeds. Use shielded sprayers with glyphosate or grass herbicides.

Will 2,4-d or dicamba harm my clover?

If you ask, will 24d kill clover? 2,4-D, dicamba, and similar broadleaf herbicides can easily damage sensitive legumes like pure clover or clover blends. Never use this anywhere near desirable plants unless labeled for that crop.

When should I spray grass weeds in clover?

For maximum control with sethoxydim or clethodim, treat annual grasses before 4 inches and perennial grasses before 6 inches tall. Actively growing smaller grasses are most readily controlled without killing clover in the process.

How do I manage broadleaf and grass weeds together?

Tank mix or alternate a broadleaf selective herbicide with a crabgrass option like sethoxydim. Non-selective herbicides can also be used with shielded applications over clover.

Common names for herbicides are Poast, Select, Arrest, and Vantage, where such herbicides kill grasses in broadleaf plots or mixed food plots yet won’t harm broadleaf species like clover. (Learn Herbicide That Kills Everything But Bermuda)

Can herbicides damage clover planted the following year?

Yes, herbicide residue can carry over and injure new clover. Allow adequate time for breakdown before re-planting and irrigate to prevent concentration of chemicals.