Cool Season Perennial
Perennial Ryegrass is a short lived perennial bunchgrass. It is similar to Italian Ryegrass in appearance but not quite as aggressive growth. The root system is shallow and dense, leaving it with a low rating to drought tolerance. Salinity tolerance is also low. Perennial ryegrass is easy to establish, but rarely overwinters in most of the prairies. Like Italian, it will tolerate a fair amount of moisture. Regrowth is fast, making it a good grazing grass.
Seeds per pound: 227,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 6.2
Uses:
- Erosion control
- Soil builder
- Nitrogen scavenger
- Weed suppression
- Grazing potential
- Hay potential
Strengths:
- Regrowth
- Palatability
- Ease of establishment
Concerns:
Short lived, no drought tolerance.
Grazing:
Excellent. Fast regrowth. Good palatability.
Hay:
Fair. Short growth and waxy leaves.
Mycorrhizal support? Yes
