Cool Season Perennial
Orchardgrass is an upright perennial bunchgrass. It has fast regrowth and is high yielding. Orchardgrass is very palatable, but can be preferentially grazed out if not managed. Persistence in a stand will be determined by management and climate. Winter hardiness and drought tolerance are rated as moderate. The key is to allow the plant to store nutrients in the crown in the fall and leave adequate stubble going into winter (six to eight inches or fifteen to twenty centimeters). Flooding tolerance is moderate, and salinity tolerance is rated as high. It is easy to establish and grows quickly in the establishment year.
Seeds per pound: 653,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 17.9
Uses:
- Erosion control
- Soil builder
- Nitrogen scavenger
- Weed suppression
- Grazing potential
- Hay potential
Strengths:
- Palatability
- Yield
- Regrowth
- Establishment ease
Concerns:
Not suited for fall grazing, winter hardiness issues.
Grazing:
Excellent. Need to allow adequate rest between grazing.
Hay:
Good. Good yields and quality. Have to watch regrowth.
Mycorrhizal support? Yes
