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PERENNIAL RYEGRASS PASTURES

Oregon-Grown Ryegrass: Without Question the Finest Source of Nutritious Pasture.  Oregon perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a proven performer in the development of prime permanent pasture in the northern area of the United States. A tall pasture grass, it is known as a worldwide temperate to semi-temperate cool-season grass.

Perennial ryegrass is one of the most widely used grasses and is adaptable to a wide variety of soils and climatic conditions. Perennial ryegrass is highly regarded as a source of both forage and hay. With a leafy head and fine stem, it is considered very palatable.

Winter growth is lush in areas where winters are moist and mild, but it comes on strongest in the spring and fall. As a general rule, it will be at its best in temperatures which do not go below 25-35º for extended periods. Although it will not tolerate extended periods of extreme cold, snow cover will give perennial ryegrass adequate protection at lower temperatures.

Perennial ryegrass will tolerate limited exposures to very high temperatures and low moisture, but will not do well in regions where summer temperatures are in excess of 90º for extended periods of time.

Seeding Rates and Seedbed Preparation

Oregon perennial ryegrass is one of the easiest grasses to establish. It may be sown on clean-burned stubble or land not plowed or otherwise prepared in either unfavorable wet or dry conditions. It will quickly develop a strong root system and under good conditions will provide light grazing in 90 days or less.

Recommended seeding rates for establishment of pasture is 25-35 pounds per acre. Lower rates are recommended when sown in combination with legumes or small grains.  Ryegrass growth is most rapid when sown in either fall or early spring. In regions where winters are long and severe it is recommended that it be sown in spring.

Disease Tolerance

Perennial ryegrass is not particularly subject to disease or insect infestation that cannot be treated with modern pesticides.

Recovery from Injury

A vigorous grass, it will recover rapidly from heavy grazing and shows superior ability to withstand and bounce back from trampling.

Fertilization

Perennial ryegrass responds rapidly to fertilization. Its principal nutrient is nitrogen, which is normally applied at the rate of 150 pounds per acre. Under some circumstances potash and phosphorous will bring good response in some areas.

Germination

A very rapid starter, perennial ryegrass will normally germinate in 7 to 14 days or even less under ideal conditions. When left uncut, it will grow to a height of 1-1/2 to 3 feet and yet will not become stemmy and unpalatable.

Pasture Advantages

• Highly nutritious hay or forage
• Germinates in 7 to 14 days
• Exceptionally palatable
• Economical to establish
• Little or no seedbed preparation
• Recovers rapidly from heavy grazing
• Withstands trampling
• Adapts to many soils and climates
• Always in good supply

Information above provided courtesy of:
Oregon Ryegrass Growers Seed Commission
www.ryegrass.com

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