Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass that is best suited for hay production or grazing management systems. Orchardgrass grows 2 to 4 feet tall and is less tolerant to drought and poor drainage than tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). Usually, it is one of the earliest grasses to initiate growth during cool conditions. This forage requires a soil pH between 5.8 and 7 for good establishment and stand persistence.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are several frequently asked questions about incorporating orchardgrass into forage systems in Alabama. 

Can orchardgrass grow in Alabama?

Yes. It is best adapted to the northern most region of Alabama because of its optimum day and night production temperatures of 73° F and 54° F, respectively. However, there is limited number of acres planted in orchardgrass in that region.

What varieties are best suited for Alabama?

There are several orchardgrass varieties available on the market, such as Persist, Latar and Potomac. Currently, Persist is the recommended variety because of  its adaptability to environmental and soil conditions in the northern region of Alabama. This variety was released in 2002 and is highly productive and persistent. More research is needed to identify alternative varieties that can perform well in the region.

What are the important soil considerations for orchardgrass?

Orchardgrass requires a soil pH between 5.8 to 7 and is less tolerant to poor drainage and drought than tall fescue. It does not tolerate “wet feet” when soils are saturated with water for prolonged periods of time. Prior to planting, soil sampling is crucial to determine liming and fertilizer requirements in order to provide proper soil fertility. Yearly soil testing is recommended to replenish nutrient levels and correct pH.

When should orchardgrass be planted? What is the recommended seeding rate?

The orchardgrass planting window in northern Alabama is from September through October. Seeding rate of pure live seed will range from 15 to 20 pounds per acre, depending on the variety. The recommended seeding depth is ¼ to ½ inches. At planting, apply 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre. The application rates for both phosphorus and potassium fertilizer must be based on results from soil tests. Soil fertility is crucial for growth and development of grass seedlings, especially if they need to compete with voluntary weeds. For more information about planting orchardgrass, please check the Extension publication Alabama Planting Guide for Forage Grasses.

What is the expected forage production and quality of orchardgrass?

Potential forage yield will depend on variety, fertilizer rate (especially nitrogen) and harvest management strategies. In general, orchardgrass forage yield ranges from 4 to 8 tons per acre. Yields can be over 10 tons per acre depending on management intensity. Crude protein (CP) ranges from 10 to over 18 percent, depending on maturity stage at harvest. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) concentration ranges from 55 to 70 percent.

What is the harvest recommendation for orchardgrass pastures?

For the first harvest event, either by mowing or grazing, it is recommended to wait until orchardgrass plants are at least 6 inches tall to allow them to store energy reserves and become well established. The recommended harvest stubble height is 4 inches. Mowing at lower heights will greatly reduce the persistence of the stand. Under grazing management, orchardgrass performs better under rotational grazing, as this allows for better harvest control and restoration of energy reserves and leaf area during rest periods.

Many producers struggle with orchardgrass persistence under grazing. This is often because the stand is over grazed due to continuous livestock grazing. Using rotational grazing and not allowing grazing over the recommended stubble height (4 inches) will improve long-term performance of the orchardgrass pasture. Persistence of orchardgrass pastures is highly dependent on management strategies, especially nutrient replenishment and proper harvest management interval to avoid overgrazing. Generally, an orchardgrass stand is expected to persist for up to four years in the region.

Can I interseed my orchardgrass pastures or grow it in mixtures?

Yes. For example, legume-grass mixtures are a viable option to decrease nitrogen fertilizer input into forage systems. Clovers can be interseeded into orchardgrass pastures because they grow well together because of their growth habits. Orchardgrass also grows well with tall fescue. However, because orchard grass has a higher palatability than fescue, this mixture requires proper management to avoid selective overgrazing. Similar to tall fescue, producers cannot overseed orchardgrass with warm-season grasses because it cannot compete with them, nor tolerate shading.

What are the main considerations regarding weed control in orchardgrass pastures?

When establishing an orchardgrass stand, it is essential to plant it into a clean, prepared seedbed. This usually means using a glyphosate (e.g., Roundup©) application prior to planting. If weed control is not effective prior to planting, there may be issues with cool-season weeds, such as annual ryegrass, annual bluegrass, little barley, bromes, etc.

Herbicide options are often limited during the establishment period. Cool season annual broadleaves, like henbit, chickweed, geranium, and shepherd’s purse, may be controlled with products containing 2,4-D once the orchardgrass is established. Orchardgrass tolerance to broadleaf herbicides generally increases after seedlings are 2 inches tall or have two to four tillers. For further help on herbicide management, contact your county’s Extension office.

Are there any specific herbicide restrictions with growing orchardgrass?

As with any new crop, growers should be aware of the history of herbicide use on that particular field prior to planting orchardgrass to reduce risk of potential injury from soil residual products. Certain postemergence products do require specific orchardgrass establishment periods after planting to ensure crop safety. Herbicides like 2,4-D, dicamba, and aminopyralid have shown to be safe on orchardgrass when applied at the three to four leaf growth stage. Always read and follow label recommendations and consult the Alabama Extension Pastures and Forage Crop IPM Guide. If you have further questions, contact the animals sciences and forages regional Extension agent covering your area.

How does the cost to establish orchardgrass compare to other cool season perennial grasses?

Seed costs will be variable depending on the variety purchased. In general, it can cost more than KY 31 fescue seed, but is cheaper than a novel fescue (i.e., Max Q). There is a need for further research on orchardgrass production systems in Alabama to determine the best management practices and potential production to further determine cost of production.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages to growing orchardgrass?

While orchardgrass has high forage production and quality, with high palatability, it requires proper management to perform well. In terms of disadvantages, the main ones are related to short stand longevity and a narrow range of adaptability in Alabama.

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