Kiowa Conservation District

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303-621-2070 ext 101

 

                             

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 Orchardgrass
Dactylis glomerata

Introduced from central and Western Europe as a high yielding good quality forage plant.  It is a cool season, leafy bunchgrass 3 to 4' tall.

Leaves long, soft and palatable.  Wide adaptation to sub-humid or irrigated conditions.
Preferences Best production on medium-textured, well-drained, fertile, neutral or medium acid soils.  Adapted to irrigated and high rainfall areas.  

Shade tolerant.  Adapted to high mountain meadows on good soils.
Uses Major forage grass, excellent for irrigated hay and pastures.  Does well in mixtures with alfalfa and other grasses.  

New plantings should not be grazed until the plants are fully established.  A 6" stubble should be maintained for plant vigor.  Allow plants to make 10 to 12" growth in the spring before grazing and 4 to 5 weeks regrowth between cuttings or grazing cycles.

Very palatable, but will not withstand heavy grazing.  Good grazing management is needed.
Planting Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2" deep.

Weed control necessary.  Should not be grazed until after first cutting to establish stubble height.