Dock Control in Alfalfa

If your field has a history of dock problems, then plan to spray with Butyrac^® in the fall to control seedling dock plants. Also, make sure that established dock is controlled before planting alfalfa. If a field is infested with dock, it is important to moldboard in early July at a depth of about 8 inches so most of the roots are exposed to drying conditions. It is also important that no additional tillage be done on the plowed areas until the dock roots have dried. If it stays wet and the roots do not dry up, it may be necessary to spray the dock in late August with 1 lb/acre of 2,4-D. It is critical that moisture conditions are good and that dock is actively growing at time of spraying. You will need a rain after spraying and allow 2 weeks for herbicide to be deactivated before planting alfalfa.