What grows well with orchardgrass?
Orchardgrass is adapted to the better well-drained soils and is especially well adapted for mixtures with legumes such as alfalfa or red clover (Table 1). It will generally persist longer than the other cool-season grasses in frequently cut, properly managed, alfalfa mixtures.
Is orchardgrass a cool season grass?
Orchard grass is a cool-season grass that grows in clumps, producing an open sod. Native of Europe, but has been grown in North America for more than 200 years. However, not widely accepted in the United States until 1940. Orchard grass is leafy, productive and adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions.
Is orchardgrass good for cows?
A sought-after grass known for its soft, highly palatable leaves, orchardgrass is suitable for horses, cattle, and small ruminants. It has good quality forage with heavy spring yield and moderate fall production but is less drought tolerant than fescue.
How do you overseed orchardgrass?
A deep furrow or double disc drill with press wheels may be used; however, orchardgrass is easily established with common agricultural drills. The recommended seeding rate for orchardgrass is 8 to 12 pounds of seed per acre. If broadcast seeded or planted for critical area treatment, double the seeding rate.
Can you overseed orchard grass?
A deep furrow or range drill with press wheels may be used; Orchardgrass is easily established with grain drills or by broadcasting seeding. The seeding rate is 8 to 12 pounds/acre. For range and critical area treatment a seeding rate of 3 to 4 pounds/acre is recommended. If broadcast, double the seeding rate.
What does orchardgrass look like?
Leaves are broadly tapered to a point and the base is v-shaped. Sheaths and ligules are smooth and membranous. The inflorescence is a panicle up to 6 inches (15 cm.) long with two to five flowered spikelets in dense side clusters.
How long does it take for orchardgrass to germinate?
Cultivating orchard grass as hay or silage typically requires 50 days or less after germination before the first collection. When collecting, be sure not to take plants down too low. Leaving 4-5 inches above the soil is recommended.
How tall should grass be before grazing?
3-4″
Typically, a grazing residue height of 3-4″ in cool season perennial grasses is recommended.
What is the difference between timothy hay and orchard grass?
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Orchard grass has a soft texture and is high in fibre and low in protein.
Can I overseed orchardgrass?
Once seedlings are 2 weeks old fertilize and when seedlings are 6 weeks old, spray. Usually when orchard grass seedlings have 2 to 3 branches, then it is safe for a light to moderate 2 4d spray application. Equipment for re-seeding areas would be either a no-till seeder or a Brillion or Conservation seeder.
When should you overseed a pasture?
Late summer/early fall- is considered the best time to seed if a blend of species will be planted. When seeding late in the summer, soil moisture tends to become an issue but weeds are less competitive. Time your seeding accordingly so that soil moisture is available.
Will deer eat orchard grass?
Deer don’t eat orchard grass – or any pasture grass. They will eat the clover, but the grass will outcompete the clover for nutrients.