A great deal is known about orchardgrass although its characteristics are changing rapidly. In northern areas of the United States orchardgrass is a fairly versatile plant. It prefers upland, well drained soils although it does well on fertile, lowland soils if they are not prone to excessive wetness. Orchardgrass can be very productive with yields of 7 tons DM per acre possible under intensive management. In some parts of the Northeast it is the preferred cut and carry and grazing grass. As we move south it becomes less popular because it tends to produce higher fiber levels and thus has lower quality.
The benefits of orchardgrass include: high yields, potential high quality, continued good growth during the summer slump (drought tolerant), and makes good use of manure applications. On the negative side it typically tends to head out early, is not as palatable as some other grasses, is sensitive to wet soils and flooding conditions, and has a tendency to form large clumps, especially the older varieties, and is very susceptible to rust.
New varieties developed by Barenbrug are now available which have overcome these negatives. Some are much later maturing making them especially valuable as a companion to alfalfa. These new improved varieties also have been bred for improved digestibility by reducing the indigestible lignin component of the plant fiber and for disease resistance. In grazing systems these features of improved digestibility and palatability are of great value.
Suggested Barenbrug Orchardgrass Varieties: Baridana, Intensiv, Barlemas
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