CATEGORIES OF FORAGE CROPS - Department of Plant Sciences

Major Uses: Pasture, hay. Develops stems several weeks earlier than other warm season
grasses so may become stemmy and unpalatable early in summer. Improved
varieties have higher yields and nutritive quality.
Establishment: Slow seedling establishment. Seed should be planted at 5 to 6 lb/A pure live
seed in April-May.
Fertilization: Very responsive to nitrogen.
Production:
Management:
Late May-July.
Should be stocked heavily and rotationally stocked with 4 to 6 weeks rest
between grazings to maintain quality and stands.
COOL-SEASON PERENNIAL GRASSES
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
Origin: Europe
Description: Perennial. Rhizomes produce a dense sod. Grows 1 to 3 feet tall.
Major Uses: Pasture, limited use for hay. High nutritive value.
Establishment: Seed are planted at 10 to 15 lb/A in August-September, or sometimes in
February-March.
Fertilization: Kentucky bluegrass will survive under low fertility, but is not highly productive
unless well fertilized or grown with a legume.
Production: April-October, limited in July and August.
Management: Kentucky bluegrass tolerates close and frequent grazing better than many
grasses. Grazing to a height of 1 to 2 inches favors productivity and maintains a
dense sod. Bluegrass pasture is much more productive when clover is grown
with it.
Matuagrass (Bromus willdenowii)
Origin: Argentina
Description: Short-lived perennial or natural reseeding annual bunchgrass. Grows 2 to 4 feet
tall.
Major Use: Pasture. High nutritive quality. Good winter production.
Establishment: Seed are planted in September at 25 to 30 lb/A, not deeper than 1/4-inch.
Seedling vigor and growth are exceptional.
Fertilization: High fertility requirement.
Production: November to May or June.
Management: Will not perenniate under close continuous grazing. Must be rotationally
stocked to maintain stands.
Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)
Origin: Europe
Description: Perennial bunchgrass. Grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
Major Uses: Pasture, hay. Forage quality is high under good management.
Establishment: Seed should be planted in September at 15 to 20 lb/A, preferably with a legume.
Plantings are sometimes made in early spring.
Fertilization: Requires higher fertility than tall fescue. Responds well to nitrogen.
Production: March-June or July; production during September-November is much less than
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