ITALIAN RYEGRASS

Quick re-growth, early spring development and prolonged fall growth. High quality forage without low-quality stems and seed heads: will not head out in the seeding year unless a hard freeze sets in after seed has germinated. Behaves as an annual in the Upper Midwest. Recognized as excellent rotation crop for plowdown or emergency feed.

Best Use:

Best suited as a pasture crop seeded at full rate. When seeded at lower rate, can be used in hay mixtures and as a nurse crop for alfalfa seedings.

Adaptation:

Best on heavier, moisture-holding soils. Keep off of droughty ground.

Management:

Begin grazing at 4″-6″ and stop when the grass is down to 2″-3″.

Planting Date:

March-May, Aug. 1-15 (for late fall grazing).

Seeding:

30-35 lbs/acre alone or 3-4 lbs/acre as alfalfa cover crop.

Suggestions:

Use instead of small grain as cover crop over new alfalfa seedings. Can produce up to half ton more of additional hay in seeding year than a small grain. Seeding heavier than recommended amount may smother alfalfa seeding. Seed early spring onto pasture that has been closely grazed the previous fall to improve yield and quality.