Green Manures booklet - Institute of Organic Training and Advice

OTHER GRASSES
Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)
Suitability:
L (WG)
pH range preferred:
6 - 8
Height:
Photo shows cocksfoot and
red clover mix
Timothy (Phleum pratense)
The use of green manures
60 – 100 cm
Frost tolerance:
Good
Suitability:
L (WG)
pH range preferred:
6.0-7.0
Height:
30-50 cm
Frost tolerance:
Good
Annual dry matter :
12.5 t/ha
Cocksfoot is slower growing in the first year of
sowing than perennial ryegrass but is more tolerant of
heat and drought and is suitable for growing in drier
areas with free draining soils. Cocksfoot has a
reputation for producing a large amount of root mass
which is beneficial for soil organic matter content and
soil structure. Cocksfoot may use water more
efficiently than perennial ryegrass (Garwood &
Sinclair, 1978; Thomas, 1985). Cocksfoot is much
less commonly grown than perennial ryegrass,
especially in systems that are grazed, due to its poor
palatability. A high lignin content, low sugar content
and sharp leaf structure are thought to contribute to
this (Van Dijk, 1958). It often forms clumps within
the field especially if establishment is poor. Common
varieties of cocksfoot include Prairial and AberTop.
Typical annual dry matter is 14 t/ha.
Timothy is well adapted to cooler wetter areas and has
good winter hardiness. It is slow to establish but can
produce yields similar to perennial ryegrass in the
second year. When sown on its own, it has a tendency
to become thin and for this reason it is normally sown
with other grasses such as perennial ryegrass.
Varieties used include Motim, Erecta, Pomesse and
Comer.
Fescues (Festuca spp.)
Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) is more tolerant to lower soil fertility than perennial ryegrass. It forms a
fairly open sward which can be prone to weed invasion so is often sown as a companion grass with timothy or
cocksfoot. Its popularity has declined over the last 20 years as fertiliser use has risen and use of perennial
ryegrass has increased. Other species of fescue such as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) are not commonly used
except where grass is dried.
BRASSICAS
These species may be best avoided by horticultural producers because they suffer from the same diseases as the
brassica vegetable crops. However, their decomposition can release chemicals which inhibit soil borne
pathogens, pests and weeds.
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