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Selecting the Correct Forage Species

Selecting the correct forage species to fit your operational goals is crucial in forage stand life longevity and optimizing yield.

Updated:

April 17, 2019

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Compared to some other forages, tall fescue tolerates lower soil pH and more frequent harvesting; however, it matures later and may not persist quite as long. Photo: Jessica Williamson, Penn State University

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Spring and early fall are the most popular times to establish new forage stands and restore existing pastures and hay fields that are lagging in yield and productivity. There are several factors to consider when determining which species to plant and to help ensure proper germination, growth, and stand longevity.

Seed-to-Soil Contact

Regardless of forage species, proper seed-to-soil contact is essential for germination initiation. Imbibition, or the uptake of water into the seed, is set in motion by seed-to-soil contact and is the first phase in germination. A firm, clean seedbed is the best way to ensure proper planting depth for perennial forages; however, no-till establishment is becoming more popular as equipment improves and proper seeding depth is more achievable in small seed forages. For most cool-season perennial forage species, no more than ½" seeding depth is recommended, with ¼" being the most ideal. A good rule of thumb to know if your seeding depth is correct is 10% of the seeds should be seen on the soil surface.

Proper Soil pH

The correct soil pH according to forage species is essential for germination, stand longevity, and optimal yields.

Tolerance of forage species to soil pH*

pH 5.5 - 6.0

Tall Fescue
Reed Canarygrass
Redtop
Birsdfoot Trefoil
Crownvetch

pH 6.0 - 6.5

Kentucky Bluegrass
Orchardgrass
Smooth bromegrass
Timothy
Ladino clover
Alsike clover
Red clover

pH 6.5 - 7.0

Alfalfa
Sweet clover

Matching Forage Characteristics to Your Environment

Seedling vigor, tolerance to drought or wet conditions, tolerance to low pH and frequent harvests, and persistence are all variable across forage species. When determining which species would best fit a scenario, all aspects should be considered.

Characteristics of Cool-Season Perennial Grasses

Grass	Seedling Vigor	Droughty	Wet	Low pH	Persistence	Tolerance to Frequent Harvests	Relative Maturity
Kentucky Bluegrass	M	L	M	M	H	H	Early
Orchardgrass	H	M	M	M	M	H	Early-medium
Perennial Ryegrass	H	L	M	M	L	H	Early-medium
Reed Canarygrass	L	H	H	H	H	H	Medium-late
Smooth Bromegrass	H	H	M	M	H	L	Medium-late
Tall Fescue	H	M	M	H	M	H	Medium-late
Timothy	M	L	L	M	H	L	Late

Characteristics of cool-season perennial grasses. H = High; M = Medium; L = Low. Adapted from Dr. Marvin Hall, The Pennsylvania State University

Carefully analyzing the criteria for your situation will better enable you to make an informed decision when selecting forage species that will match your environment.

*Adapted from Dr. Marvin Hall, The Pennsylvania State University

Agenda

Authors

Jessica A. Williamson, Ph.D.

Former Extension Forage Specialist

Pennsylvania State University