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Common Equine Pasture Forages: Orchardgrass
Orchardgrass is a moderately hardy, tall-growing, high-yielding bunch grass that attains more summer growth than other grasses under an intensive system of cutting management.
Because of its growth characteristics, it persists well with alfalfa.
Characteristics
- Tall, cool season bunch grass that is blue-green in color
- Broad, folded, "V" shaped leaves
- Seed head - panicle with spikelets in dense clusters
- Membranous ligule at the base of each leaf
Attributes
- Grows in early spring and develops rapidly
- More tolerant of shade, drought, and heat, than other cool season grasses
- Can be used for hay or pasture
- Very productive - can yield 4 to 6 tons per acre with proper fertility and management
Limitations
- Intolerant of close grazing - energy needed for regrowth is located above the soil surface
- Early maturity in spring requires early harvest
- Rapid loss in palatability and quality as plants mature
- Close grazing in fall reduces winter hardiness
Management
- Graze frequently to maintain adequate quality and establish rest periods when needed
- Mow or graze to maintain a height of 4-5 inches
- Most successful seedings are made in late summer
- For pasture use, choose varieties with lower crowns developed for pasture use
- Pure stands - seed at 8 to 12 lbs. per acre
- Seed 1/4 to 1/2 inches deep
- Apply nutrients and lime based on soil test reports
- Maintain soil pH between 6 and 7
- If soil fertility is low, most of orchard grass yield occurs in spring. If soil fertility is adequate and nitrogen applications are split, summer and fall yields may increase to 35 to 65% of total production
- Very responsive to nitrogen fertilizer - apply 150 lbs. per acre each year - 50 lbs. in spring and the remainder split after grazing or harvest
- Remove horses from pasture until all fertilizer has been incorporated into the soil
Orchardgrass Leaf and seedhead.
