As we move from summer into the colder months, you may begin to notice the warm season species in your pasture starting to die off, like broomsedge or otherwise known as broomstraw. Broomstraw is a warm season perennial so by late summer it produces seed heads and begins to go dormant in the later fall months. Unfortunately broomstraw does not have much nutritional value for livestock species, especially as it matures. There are a couple of reasons why you may see this plant in your pastures. It is not considered an overly competitive species but rather we see it more when our desirable species have trouble thriving. Conditions where this may happen are in cases of low soil fertility or low (acidic) pH. The good news is there are things we can do to control it, starting with soil testing and applying the correct soil amendments based on those results. By creating a more desirable environment for the forages we want, we can help increase the competition for the broomstraw and create an environment that is not as favorable for this weed. Additionally, clipping at the right stage may help with control. Typically this would be done when you start seeing the seedheads and then again in the early fall. Keep in mind that soil fertility, especially pH, takes time to change but with patience and persistence we can see a decrease of broomstraw in the pasture. 

Reference: Forage Management Getting Rid of Broomsedge

Image: Broomsedge What Causes it in Pastures- How Can I Get Rid of It