E very forage producer knows that maturity is the most important factor in determining forage quality. We have blended together three different orchard grass varieties to give you a pasture grass that will develop at different stages. We've been planting an orchard for the last 3 years. It is one of the best forage grasses for use in the Northern states under intensive rotational grazing systems. Several other cool-season perennial grasses can be grown in Tennessee. I've tried digging out the orchard grass, smothering with cardboard, leaves, grass clippings, mowing it down etc. Using sheep to reduce competition from grass instead of spraying or mowing reduced the work required in the orchard, improved the soil health and meant that soil compaction was reduced, as heavy machinery was not needed. It is incredibly hard to keep the grass mowed away from the trunks of the trees (about 130 trees). Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a tall, cool-season perennial grass that is used for pasture, fodder and silage. Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. Most varieties have good winter-hardiness, although few varieties have superior winter-hardiness. The species is rather slow to establish but persistency is good under hay, silage, and proper grazing management. Orchard Grass is the emerging super star of the horse hay world. Devour is quick to establish, out-competes weeds and produces high-yielding pasture for animals. It’s late maturity makes Devour an … Erosion control: Because of its dense network of non-rhizomatous roots, orchardgrass provides good erosion control on those soils to which it is adapted. After it starts growing in the spring, orchardgrass tends to head very quickly. Grasses like Orchardgrass is valuable on light textured soils due to its outstanding drought-tolerance. Devour was developed to withstand the rigors of intensive grazing such as extended periods of hoof traffic and feeding. This blend of Amba, Olathe, and Athos orchard grasses make a winter hardy and drought tolerant blend. grazing systems. Orchard Grass is a highly palatable grass with a high nutrient content. Can be regrazed after 4 to 6 weeks rest. Forage yield (rating): Orcdhardgrass. Devour is a highly palatable feed. With adequate moisture and fertility, orchard grass recovers very quickly after cutting or grazing. This style of grazing is known as Holisitc Planned Grazing (see … Orchard grass is good under hay, silage, and proper grazing management. Grass stands harvested at the boot stage (before seedhead emergence) will have increased yield over vegetative stands, but the quality is lower. Since it's more of a bunch grass it takes grazing well as long as it's managed well. Excellent for use in mixtures with other grasses and legumes. A perennial cool-season bunch grass that is used for hay and grazing pastures. Orchard grass begins growing in bunches early in the spring, developing and flowering quickly. Wildlife: Elk and deer find orchardgrass highly palatable and will utilize it most of the year. Orchard Grass. All three of these grass species can be used successfully in Tennessee. Grazing/Hayland: The primary use of orchardgrass is for pasture and hay forage production (Ogle, et al., 2011a). Differences between these grasses make the choice on which grass to use dependent upon what the purpose is (grazing vs. hay) and where in the state your farm is located. It is more shade tolerant than most other forage grasses, but is less tolerant to continuous grazing than ryegrass or fescue. Orchardgrass is sometimes used in grass … When hay is harvested at the vegetative (leafy) stage, there is a high likelihood that the forage quality will be high. 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