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Spotlight on Species

Orchardgrass (Chapter 6 pg 125)

(Dactylis glomerata)

Background

Orchardgrass is a cool-season bunch grass Its name derives from its ability to tolerate shade (e.g. in orchards) One of the most significant forage grasses in NE USA - ideal for both hay production and grazing. It is probably the most important grass species in Ohio - especially for hay production on better quality soils.

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Quality

Quality is dependent upon fertility and time of harvest - as the plant matures the quality decreases rapidly.

Regrowth has very high quality, especially when harvested or grazed within 3 to 4 weeks of previous harvest.

Digestibility of young orchardgrass fiber (NDF) is greater than for alfalfa, because of higher hemicellulose content in the cell walls as compared with alfalfa.

 

Diseases and Insects

Relatively free of serious pests - it can have rust and many insect species, but chemical controls are generally not economic.

 

Advantages

• Long-lived perennial
• Good companion crop with legumes - later maturing varieties match alfalfa well, also suited to red clover.
• Easy to establish (typically sown at 12 lb/ac)
• Hardy - its large root system allows it to scavenge for nutrients and water.Tolerant of poor fertility, but extremely responsive to fertilizer - especially N
• Fast regrowth and excellent summer production
• Orchardgrass is best adapted to well-drained soils, but tolerant to moderate drought as well as occasional water-logging

Disadvantages

Only moderate winter-hardiness without snow cover, moderate stockpile value

Quality declines rapidly with maturity - avoid late harvests

Can be too competative with legumes if N is over-applied

 

Identification

Ligule	membranous, prominent
Auricles	absent
Sheath	flattened
Blade	broad, V-shaped, blueish-green

Common varieties

Old varieties: Potomoc, Benchmark, Pennlate, Dawn New varieties: Icon, Harvestar, Megabite, Athes, Shiloh, Mammoth. Numerous varieties that offer large differences in maturity and improved disease resistance. Some varieties tiller more and are more grazing tolerant (eg. Tekapo).

Maturity differences in new varieties

 

Establishment

Small seed: 0.9 g / 1000 seed, has slow establishment and won't be the first to emerge, but has very reliable establishment

8-15 lb/ac if sown alone, 2-5 lb/ac in mixtures

can be spring (April) or fall (August) planted, ideally sown with a Brillioun seeder, but can be no-till planted

light seed - best lime coated if broadcast sown

 

 

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