Established plants and seedlings can severely interfere with the establishment of legumes. Almost stemless, they have deep, fleshy tap-roots. Scouting Techniques Take a minimum of 20 weed counts across the field. Check field edges as weed seeds often blow in from nearby shelterbelts, turf, and undeveloped areas. Effects on Crop Quality Dandelion usually has little effect on forage crop quality.
Dandelions can shorten the productive life of perennial forage seed crops.
Productivity in pastures and hay crops is also reduced by dandelions. Because dandelion has a simple tap-root, tillage can be effective for control. Heavy-duty cultivators and deep tillers are most successful. Discers are often ineffective in well-established stands. Dandelion invasion of alfalfa does not cause thinning of established stands.