Plant Competition Management practices that encourage competitive species that already exist on the site or establish competitive species such as well-adapted legumes or grasses should be part of any control program. If yellow starthistle is controlled but its ecological niche remains unfilled, reinvasion wo invasion by another undesirable species is likely. Because yellow starthistle is so prolific and adaptable, relying only on competition from desirable plants is not recommended. Some additional control before and after seeding is generally necessary. Dense stands of reseeding legumes have some potential for suppressing yellow starthistle.
Legumes are particularly effective when combined with a program of well timed mowing or grazing.
When using legumes to manage yellow starthistle infestations, it is advisable to use high seeding rates up to 40 pounds per acre and be sure that the seed are properly inoculated with the host-specific nitrogen fixing bacteria. Fertilization with phosphorus or sulfur is generally necessary in pasture soils since they are often deficient in there nutrients. Prescribed Burning Prescribed burning has been shown to be effective against yellow starthistle. Burns should be conducted in late spring before seed set but after annual and perennial grasses have produced seed. Since yellow starthistle is still green in late spring, there must be enough dry biomass from other vegetation to carry a fire.