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Eliminate white clover. #909884

Asked July 15, 2025, 8:05 AM EDT

Hello. Along with much of MI we have had a really wet summer and the clover in one of my pastures has taken over. I have horses here who when grazing it become literal drool buckets -completely wetting their stalls so I have removed them from that field and they are fine. How do I eliminate the clover in an environmentally safe way (we have a pond not 50 feet from)? I need this field as only 1 of 2 and the second one is not viable for long term use. I tried one broad leaf (mentions clover) pesticide and it just laughed at me. Help

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Many times clover will take over when the grass isn’t given the appropriate conditions to grow (over grazing, poor soil conditions and fertility, etc.). Soil fertility, herbicide, and timing, if the plants are not actively growing the clover will not be controlled.

Crossbow (2 qt. of the 3L formulation to provide 1.5 lbs. of active ingredient/acre) should control the clover clover. 

I would encourage you to get a soil test and make any fertility amendments as soon as that can to help promote good grass growth. If you haven’t used nitrogen fertilizer (as well as phosphorus and potassium) in the past, consider that as an essential part of the pasture management. That’s why the soil test is so important.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2025, 11:55 AM EDT

Can you guide me on how to submit a soil test?  Can the standard soil test one can purchase for gardens be sufficient?

The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2025, 1:03 PM EDT

I would recommend a commercial soil test (which is geared towards agricultural settings not lawn/garden) which can be purchased at your local extension office: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county 


An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2025, 1:10 PM EDT

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