Orchardgrass Information Orchardgrass Uses In The Landscape

Orchardgrass uses span more than erosion, fodder, hay, silage, and natural ground cover. It also enhances the nitrogen in soil when planted deep with abundant water. ... Orchardgrass is also known as cocksfoot. It is a cool-season, perennial bunching grass.

What is orchard grass used for?

Grazing/Hayland: The primary use of orchardgrass is for forage production. It is used for pasture, hay and silage. It is highly palatable to all classes of livestock. Orchardgrass is one of the best forage grasses for use in the Northern states under intensive rotational grazing systems.

How do you identify orchard grass?

Orchardgrass is easy to identify by its flattened leaf sheath, and the inflorescence can be recognized at a distance by the way the panicle leans to look as if the spikelet grows on only one side. tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.)

How do you plant orchard grass in pasture?

For grazing, orchard grass is best sown with legumes to provide a more balance nutritional profile and to assist with nitrogen fixation. Avoid sowing with other grasses. Seeds should be sown approximately ¼-1/2" deep. Seeds sown deeper may not be able to break through the surface of the soil.

Can you broadcast orchard grass?

Seedings of orchardgrass can also be made with broadcast equipment such as fertilizer trucks, buggies or tractor-mounted distribution. Broadcast equipment will not throw orchardgrass seed as far as it will throw fertilizer or heavier seeds such as fescue.

What is the difference between orchard grass and timothy hay?

Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. ... Compared to Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass grows better in moderate drought conditions and provides a solid three hay cuttings per year.

What grass has the highest protein?

Alfalfa has become one of the world's most useful forage crops. The plant's protein content is high and it is much more drought-tolerant than other perennial legumes.

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.

Is orchard grass invasive?

Orchard grass is native to temperate Eurasia and North Africa and is widely cultivated throughout the world. It has naturalized in many places and is considered an invasive species in some areas outside its native range.

How can you tell what type of grass you have?

Grass types vary in the width of their blades and whether blade tips are sharp-pointed, rounded or boat-shaped. The arrangement of grass leaves in new shoots, called vernation, may be V-shaped and folded or circular and rolled. Your grass's growth habit also provides grass I.D.

Does orchard grass make good hay?

It will generally persist longer than the other cool-season grasses in frequently cut, properly managed, alfalfa mixtures. Orchardgrass is a versatile grass and can be used for pasture, hay, green chop, or silage. A high-quality grass, it will provide excellent feed for most classes of livestock.

How long will orchard grass last?

Yield distribution of cool-season perennial grasses. expected to last more than 3-4 years. It is a popular hay crop for horses, although orchardgrass and tall fescue can also be used successfully. Which One Is Best?

How long does it take for orchard grass to grow?

Compared to many cool-season grasses, orchardgrass establishes easily and is sometimes interseeded into mature pastures and hayfields with a lot of success. It may take up to one year after seeding before full production potential is reached.

Does orchard grass die in the summer?

We suggest that low cutting height and high tempera- tures cause highly stressful conditions that suppress the regrowth of orchardgrass during the summer. The inability to restore a closed canopy during midsummer may cause the death of young tillers, leading to the reduced persis- tence of stands.

Will orchard grass grow in shade?

Orchardgrass is more tolerant of shade, drought, and heat than are timothy and bluegrass. Although shade-tolerant, it also grows well in full sunlight.

How much does orchard grass cost?

Irrigated cropland suitable for orchardgrass production ranges from $2,000-$6,000/acre.

What are the 4 categories of hay?

We carry a variety of high quality alfalfa, grain hay and grasses for all of your pet and livestock feeding needs.

Alfalfa Hay. Alfalfa Hay is a high-fiber legume hay. ...
Timothy Hay. Timothy Hay is 10% protein. ...
Bermuda. ...
Orchard Grass. ...
Oat Hay. ...
Forage Hay.
Straw.

Is orchard grass hay high in sugar?

Most cool-season grasses, like orchardgrass and fescue, can have high sugar content. Timothy and crested wheatgrass tend to be medium in sugar content, as are most warm season (native) grasses.

What grass makes the best hay?

Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy are all examples of common grasses used for hay. Benefits: Grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay — but it's also higher in fiber, which can make it a good choice for many horses.

What hay is high in protein?

One of the biggest differences between alfalfa hay and grass hay is the protein content. On average, alfalfa hay has much higher levels of protein, ranging from 15% to 21% depending on when the alfalfa was cut. This is much higher than the protein levels of grass hay, which typically contains 10% or less protein.

Can a cow get too much protein?

The answer is yes! Almost everyone has had experience with cows scouring when placed on pasture or if fed a high protein forage. Of more importance, however, is the effect that high dietary protein levels can have on reproduction.

Does timothy hay have protein?

Its low protein, high fiber, and high energy content make it easily digestible. Due to its low protein levels, Timothy hay can be fed regularly to satisfy appetite without excess calories and protein, and in some cases provides enough protein for less active and stabled horses.