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ORCHARDGRASS Dactylis glomerata
Orchardgrass is a long lived, cool-season perennial bunchgrass that grows
from 2-4 feet tall. It reproduces from seed and forms tufted shoots held
together by short rhizomes. This grass has a panicle-type seed head that
is 4-10 inches long and cannot be mistaken for other grasses. Its shape
seed head shape has caused it to be named "Cocksfoot" (Also its name in Europe).
Origin:
Europe
Description:
Perennial
Primary Adaption:
Orchard is less tolerant of drought and poor drainage than tall
fescue. Often found mixed with Tall Fescue fields. In
the lower South, stands do not generally persist more than two-four
years. - Short life perennial.
Uses: Pasture
and hay. Forage quality is pretty high under good management.
Planting Rate:
Seed should be planted 15-20 lbs an acre August-September.
Fertilization:
Requires higher fertility than tall fescue. Responds well to
Nitrogen. Obtain soil test for fertilization program.
Seasonal Production:
March-July. Production during September-November is usually much
less tall fescue production.
Management:
Moderate stocking programs are best. The first hay harvest of the season
should be in the boot to early bloom stage.
Pests:
Armyworms, rust and leafspot diseases. Nematodes are very serious
problem when grown
in sandy soils.
Orchardgrass is a native of Europe and Eurasia and has been cultivated in
North America since 1760. It widely distributed across the United States.
It can be found growing in abundance in the Pacific North-West and in an area
from the Dakotas to South Kentucky & Tennessee. Orchardgrass grows best on
rich soils, on poor soils and even performs well in shady areas.
Fertilization is essential for high forage production. It is often
grown in combination with Fescue, Lespedeza, clovers. Orchardgrass is used
for pasture, hay and silage and produces an abundance of quality forage.
It starts early growth in the spring after being grazed or mowed, making it good
grass for summer pasturage. Forage varieties: Potomac.
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PLANTING RATES:
Plant 10-20 lbs / acre and cover 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Plant in fall or winter on well prepared seed bed.
Early spring plantings are harder to establish.
Establish a pH of 6.5 and follow soil test recommendations.
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I
am in need of information on when to harvest orchard
grass to achieve the maximum protein content.I
understand that just prior to the boot stage is the
best time to cut.
What does the orchard grass look like at this stage
so I know when to cut?
The boot stage is defined as the
time when the seedhead is enclosed within the sheath of the flag
leaf. Mid to Late spring you’ll notice the stems of the plant
beginning to elongate and the “flag leaf” can be seen. This
leaf is shorter than other leaf blades and is generally rising
higher out of the crown than other leaves, follow this blade
down to its stem and split the stem open and you will find an
immature seedhead inside. Until this seedhead emerges the plant
is in the boot stage. As the seed head starts to emerge this is
“early boot”.
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