Forage of the Month: Orchardgrass

Published: March 21, 2011

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.)
Orchardgrass is a popular grass for pasture, green chop, silage and hay throughout the central part of the eastern United States. The high rainfall, moderate winters and warm summers of southern Missouri make that region an optimal orchardgrass habitat. Under such conditions, orchardgrass both grows and tillers rapidly, which makes it especially useful in early spring pastures. Forage yields of 7,000 to 10,000 lb/acre are not uncommon under good management. Orchardgrass is more drought tolerant than timothy or Kentucky bluegrass but is not as drought-tolerant as smooth bromegrass or endophyte infected tall fescue. Orchardgrass does not persist as well as other cool-season grass species because it is susceptible to overgrazing, winter kill and leaf rust. Orchardgrass matures earlier than most other cool-season grasses, which makes early grazing or harvesting a must if highquality feed is to be obtained. Choosing a variety that matures late can help increase forage quality. It is considered more wildlife friendly than tall fescue.

Orchardgrass collar

Orchardgrass field

Orchardgrass seedhead

Origin: Europe and North Africa
Adaptation to Missouri: Statewide
Growth habit: Perennial bunchgrass
Blade: Folded in bud, cross section V-shaped at base, sharply keeled, taper to an acute point, margins smooth to scabrous.
Sheath: Smooth, open distinctively flattened and keeled.
Ligule: Truncate, membranous, 1/10 to 1/3 inch long.
Auricles: Absent.
Seed head: Stiff, mostly compact panicle with lower branches longer than those at top.
Fertilization: 40-60 lb N/acre after first grazing or harvest in spring; follow with another 40 lb N/acre after second grazing if conditions permit. Also, apply 40 to 60 lb N/acre mid-August for fall pasture. Phosphorus and potassium to soil test.
Timing for production: 60 percent of growth before June 15.
When to begin grazing: When the grass reaches 6 to 8 inches in height.
When to cut for hay: Early heading stage, typically in late April or early May.
Lowest cutting or grazing height: 4 inches
Fall management: Grazing possible in September and October; leave a 6-inch stubble for winter.