1 Its first use in the U.S. came as a pasture grass in states like Kentucky, where it still covers the state's gently rolling hills. phases of Kentucky bluegrass management. Kentucky bluegrass pastures often are undergrazed in the spring, which results in an accumulation of mature, low-quality forage. This is unlikely to be a serious problem in any part of Kansas. Definitions for technical terms used in this post. Its seeds feed many different songbirds and rodents. Kentucky bluegrass can be "frost seeded" (in early spring when the soil is still honeycombed with frost) into existing pastures to thicken the stand. Kentucky Bluegrass Production By John D. Holman and Donn Thill INTRODUCTION The production of Kentucky bluegrass in northern Idaho began during the 1950âs with approximately 10,000 acres and has since grown to 70,000 The tip of the leaf is considered boat-shaped. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a short-to-medium height, cool-season, long-lived, highly palatable, perennial grass that has smooth, soft, green to dark green leaves with boat-shaped tips. In Kentucky tests over 5 years, beef steers gained 1.19 and 1.24 lb/day grazing bluegrass-ladino clover and bluegrass-alfalfa, respectively. Cottontail rabbit, wild turkey, and prairie chickens consume the leaves and seeds of Kentucky bluegrass. For best results, the soil pH should be between 6 and 7. Effect of harvest processes on the nutritive value of Kentucky bluegrass residue from seed harvest. Successful seeding requires good seed-to-soil contact. Under conditions of high temperatures, limited rain fall, or low soil fertility, the amount of Kentucky bluegrass in a pasture will decline, allowing undesirable weed species to invade. This characteristic makes it more tolerant of overgrazing than most other cool-season grasses. Consequently, tall-growing grasses will thin under abusive management while Kentucky bluegrass volunteers and thickens, providing high-quality forage and protection from soil erosion. Poa pratensis, commonly known as Kentucky bluegrass (or blue grass), smooth meadow-grass, or common meadow-grass, is a perennial species of grass native to practically all of Europe, North Asia and the mountains of Algeria and Morocco. The pollen of Kentucky is a major contributor to late-spring allergies. Kentucky bluegrass also forms a tight sod, providing good pasture footing. Kentucky bluegrass can be invasive in cool, wet climates. The type and amount of maintenance bluegrass will require in this role will depend on the specific application. In addition, the dense sod formed by Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes make it ideal for erosion control, particularly in grass waterways. Excessive defoliation often leads to shallow rooting, an open sod, and weed invasion. Michelle is the author of three country living books. D tillers can develop anytime of the year, when resourcesâ water and nutrientsâare available. Consequently, proper management during the early growing season is essential to maximize production potential. It hosts May, June, and Japanese beetle grubs, while it provides forage to deer, turkey, and rabbits. Kentucky bluegrass-white clover pastures can be maintained indefinitely and their forage quality improved by applying lime and fertilizers according to soil test recommendations. These effects are particularly damaging to Kentucky bluegrass in a dry summer when it is less able to recover. Parts of a Grass Plant: A Glossary Despite its adaptation to this wide range of locations, bluegrass is actually rather specific in its preferences and will not truly thrive unless its needs are met. About Bluegrass Horse Feeds Committed to quality for over 170 years Bluegrass Horse Feeds was developed in 1998 at our mills in Eglish, Co Tyrone, where we manufacture a premium range of horse feed. The slow establishment is primarily a result of slow (approximately 14 days) germination. Turf-type varieties of Kentucky bluegrass need dethatching to remain productive and, in general, also require greater amounts of nitrogen fertilization and more extensive irrigation systems than forage-type varieties. Adult Japanese beetle, May beetle, green June beetle, northern masked chafer, and European chafer lay eggs in thin, overgrazed bluegrass pastures, and the larvae then feed on bluegrass roots and rhizomes. This species is a cool-season perennial. It also puts out rhizomes with amazing rapidity, and can spread through additional shoots known as tillers. She is also a serious student of history, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. Kentucky bluegrass should be planted at 10 to 14 pounds per acre in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to moderate and rains are more frequent. However, Kentucky bluegrass generally appears in these fields, coming from seed or rhizomes in the soil, particularly if the field was previously a pasture. The blades are flat or folded and feel soft to the touch. The ratio of Kentucky bluegrass and white clover in a pasture is strongly influenced by grazing management. Additional nitrogen applications to pure Kentucky bluegrass stands should be made in late spring and early fall when the grass is growing rapidly. Plant into either a tilled or a no-till seedbed with adequate fertility and an optimal pH value, no deeper than 1/4 inch. Why do we need this? Where the height of the grass is not an issue, it will only need to be mowed once a year to control weeds and keep the stand looking its best. COVER VALUE : Kentucky bluegrass provides good cover for small mammals and nongame birds. Kentucky bluegrass really excels in climates where the average daily July temperature does not exceed 75 degrees and where the air is humid. This species is used widely throughout the U.S. where it is well adapted, but it has a poor summer performance in California in areas with warm to hot temperatures. As the amount of clover in the pasture declines, the pasture can be grazed more closely so that the grass competes less with the clover. Each spikelet has three to six flowers capable of producing abundant awnless seed. Kentucky bluegrass is capable of forming dense mats thanks to its abundant rhizomes, tough stems that grow horizontally under the ground. Kentucky bluegrass is not a native of the United States, but rather Europe, northern Asia, and some of the mountainous areas of Algeria and Morocco. Bluegrass We produce quality horse feeds so our customers can reach their potential in their chosen equine discipline. Kentucky bluegrass flowers from May through July. As Kentucky bluegrass abundance increases, rangeland forage production shifts to an earlier ⦠Like many common U.S. turf grasses, this versatile, widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia. Quality and palatability declines when Kentucky bluegrass matures. It takes off quickly in early spring and grows aggressively while the weather is cool, starting from the previous year’s roots and continuing with a fresh new crop of roots. Generally, turf clippings contain 6-7% nitrogen, 0.5 to 1.0% phosphorous and 2-4% potassium; when returned to the lawn, they can account for a fourth of the lawn's fertilizer applications each year. Only three forage-type Kentucky bluegrass varieties, 'Park', 'Troy', and 'Ginger', have been released in the past 45 years. Thank you! However, those in other parts of eastern Kansas who are fortunate enough to have loam soil should be able to grow Kentucky bluegrass, as well. Another plot with 4 different clovers and chicory. It spreads via rhizomes to form a dense sod and grows best during cool, moist weather on well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6 and 7 (Table 1). These studies indicated that the nutritive value of bromeâfescue hay was highest, followed by Kentucky bluegrass and sedge hays, and then oat straw. Only three forage-type Kentucky bluegrass varieties, 'Park', 'Troy', and 'Ginger', have been released in the past 45 years. Applying approximately 25 pounds per acre of nitrogen fertilizer to Kentucky bluegrass in early spring before green-up will stimulate growth and generally allow grazing to begin earlier. Greatest success is generally achieved when frost seeding is completed while the soil contains frost. After this establishment period, Kentucky bluegrass should require irrigation only weekly and only in hot weather. It can be used to stabilize banks, pond edges, and field borders, and it is a good grass cover in orchards. To obtain a proper seeding depth, the seedbed should be firm. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement. The thick mat formed by Kentucky bluegrass is also excellent for erosion control purposes. In addition, grazing days per year and animal gains per acre are generally less on Kentucky bluegrass than on other cool-season, tall-growing grasses. Damage is most severe and recovery slowest during dry years. Usually two to three years are required to produce a good sod from seeding Once the stand is established, it can be grazed in the early spring as soon as the grass reaches five inches tall. Its growth slows during the warm summer months. Once the flowering process is completed and the summer grows hot and dry, Kentucky bluegrass protects itself from drought damage by going dormant. SWIFT RW, COWAN RL, INGRAM RH, MADDY HK, BARRON GP, GROSE EC, ⦠Maintaining a stubble height of 2 to 4 inches in spring promotes tiller (new shoot) formation, which helps keep a dense sod. Palatability/Nutritional Value: Kentucky bluegrass has an average total digestible nutrient (TDN) level of 67% and crude protein level of 12% in the vegetative state. Under normal environmental conditions in Pennsylvania, Kentucky bluegrass achieves nearly 70 percent of its annual forage production by early June. Kentucky Bluegrass Pasture Management Bluegrasses generally grow better in soils of higher fertility and more moisture; when grown in soils not meeting the criteria additional nitrogen has to be added and/or the planting of legumes that co-exist in the pasture with the bluegrass. summer, which decreases its forage value (Hockensmith et al. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. If you decide to use the links to make a purchase, please be aware that we will receive a small compensation. Always leave a stubble of about two inches to prevent subsequent weed invasion. Applying nitrogen to Kentucky bluegrass is not recommended if more than 30 percent of the pasture is a legume. Kentucky bluegrass is slightly slower to establish than many other cool-season grasses. Average annual liveweight gains for the two systems were 446 and 536 lb/A. Quality declines significantly as ⦠Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that grows best during the fall, winter, and spring months when temperatures are cool. SITMMARY A 3-year study was made to determine the nutritional value of four grasses-- Lincoln bromegrass, orchard grass, Kentncky 31 fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass for lactating dairy cows. Kentucky bluegrass's nitrogen requirements and low summer production make it ideal for seeding with a legume such as white clover at 4 pounds per acre, red clover at 6 pounds per acre, or birdsfoot trefoil at 8 pounds per acre. Grubs cause the most serious damage to Kentucky bluegrass pastures. This can be accomplished with frost seeding by seeding into a field with a thin stand of existing plants or where the pasture was grazed "into the ground" the previous fall. Kentucky bluegrass. % Ca:P Ratio Alfalfa ---- All 90 16 1.28 0.24 0.3 5.3:1 Alfalfa - ⦠1975, Harivandi et al. In pastures, grazing should begin when grass is about 5 inches tall and should not be grazed shorter than 1-1/2 to 2 inches. A significant increase (p ⤠0.05) was observed in the C:N ratio of both the ramets and mother plants of Kentucky bluegrass when plants were subjected to ⦠Surface application of the recommended nutrients is equally beneficial if the Kentucky bluegrass is already established. The forage value of Kentucky bluegrass is well known across the nation. These diseases rarely affect plant persistence, but may reduce yield and quality. Kentucky bluegrass is found in most pastures in the northeastern United States because it tolerates close and frequent grazing better than other cool-season forage grasses. For more information, please read our affiliate disclosure. Most varieties of Kentucky bluegrass have been developed for use in lawns. If the amount of white clover in the pasture is too great, then allowing the pasture to reach a height of 8 to 12 inches will encourage the Kentucky bluegrass to compete better with the white clover. % Magnes. Kentucky bluegrass, or Poa pratensis, is neither blue, nor did it originate in Kentucky, at least not the varieties that most are familiar with. This ability makes Kentucky bluegrass an ideal species for permanent pastures that are continuously grazed. Guinea Lynx' HAY CHART All Hay Sun-cured Values in % or Ratio Dry Matter % Crude Protein % Calcium % Phosph. Therefore, it is widely considered to be the most important lawn grass in the United States. It can be seeded as a monoculture, but mixing it with a legume will increase its nutritional value still further and provide for the nitrogen needs of the grass stand, as well. To ensure seed germination and seedling survival, water the lawn two or three times a day for the first couple of weeks. The soil must be well drained and medium in textureâKentucky bluegrass cannot tolerate compacted clay. Want to use it in a meal plan? Palatability/Nutritional Value: In the vegetative stage, Kentucky bluegrass has 12% protein and a digestibility (Total Digestible Nutrient) composition of 67%. In Kansas, the best time to plant is September, as the soil will be cooling off and the weeds will be less competitive than in the spring. Kentucky bluegrass tiller type (F 1, F 2, C) is dependent on its date of emergence from a D tiller bud. By using this site you are agreeing to our terms of use. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Exceptions to this trend occur at higher elevations and latitudes where temperatures and rainfall are not limiting. Very few fields in the Northeast are sown with Kentucky bluegrass seed. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Motivated by her experience growing up on a small farm near Wichita, Kansas, Michelle Lindsey started Homestead on the Range to supply Kansas country living enthusiasts with the innovative resources that they need to succeed and has now been keeping families informed and inspired for over five years. It has been used for lawns, athletic fields, golf course LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Download PDF Save For Later Print Purchase Print. Salinity: Kentucky bluegrass is sensitive to salinity (Lunt et al. It can be Kentucky bluegrass productivity is increased substantially with proper pasture rotation and rest. Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa pratensis L. Tom Cook Oregon State University Introduction: Kentucky bluegrass has long been the most important cool season grass planted as turf. Broadcast seed at a rate of two to three pounds per 1,000 square feet. When not pursuing hobbies ranging from music to cooking to birdwatching, she can usually be found researching, writing, or living out the country dream. Remember that nitrogen application will increase the grass's competitiveness at the expense of clover and weeds in the stand. Online. It turns green again as days become short and cool. In pasture mixtures, bluegrass is generally seeded with other grasses, and clovers. It arrived on our shores with settlers during the colonial period, and it spread across the nation with the pioneers. Filed Under: The Sunflower State Tagged With: Lawns, Livestock, Nature, Pastures, Plant Health, Soil, Stewardship. C:N Ratios of the Ramets and Mother Plants in Homogenous Plots The C:N ratio responded variably to the different treatments. Some of us are unsure about the food plot that is mainly annual ryegrass because of its low nutritional value, but Late in the fall, the growth slows down and carbohydrates are stored in the abundance of new rhizomes to provide the nutrients needed to start all over again in the spring. View our privacy policy. Kentucky bluegrass survival was 25% at -15oC and 20% at -20oC under low-N conditions. Controlling insects in Kentucky bluegrass pastures is most easily done through good grazing and fertility practices that maintain a healthy and vigorous grass stand. Therefore, you should cultipack the seedbed before seeding. Each leaf arises from a sheath with large veins. Prepared by Marvin H. Hall, associate professor of agronomy. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. 1997). All types of fescue have wider blades, thus producing a coarser turf. Pastures composed of Kentucky bluegrass mixed with legumes also have higher nutritional values than pure grass pastures (Table 2). Kentucky bluegrass is a strong turf component commonly used across the temperate and cooler climates of the U.S. However, bluegrass has thinner blades and produces a fine-textured turf. Nutritional Value for the Landscape Processing lawn clippings and tree leaves into the lawn provides nutritional value as well as reduces waste. Without this treatment, Kentucky bluegrass sod will, . As growth of Kentucky bluegrass declines in midsummer, livestock production on these pastures also is reduced, particularly during a dry growing season. During this second period of growth, the plant focuses on putting out more rhizomes, spreading itself to collect solar energy. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) receives its name from its blue inflorescence, an open, branching, pyramid-shaped structure known as a panicle. Head to the diet generator and enter the number of calories you want. The botanical composition of Kentucky bluegrass pastures changes over and within growing seasons depending on environmental conditions and grazing management. Kentucky Bluegrass grows best on heavier soils with a pH above 6. Because Kentucky bluegrass grows to a shorter height than many other cool-season forage grasses, it is ideally suited for grazing. 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