Cool Season Biennial
Italian Ryegrass is a short lived biennial bunchgrass. It can grow quickly if moisture is not limiting. It has a dense shallow root system so the drought tolerance is low. Even though it is a biennial, it will rarely overwinter in most of the prairies. High moisture and short periods of flooding is generally not an issue. Salinity tolerance is rated as moderate. Seedlings are relatively easy to establish, and the plants can be quite competitive in the first year.
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
Concerns:
Quite competitive.
Grazing:
Good. Fine leaves and quick regrowth. Good palatability.
Hay:
Fair. Tends to be short and waxy leaves.
Mycorrhizal support? Yes
