Author
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Stout, William |
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Belesky, David |
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Submitted to: Pasture Prophet
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 5/11/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Interpretive summary not required Technical Abstract: Prairiegrass (Bromus willdenowii) has been widely touted as a new forage resource available for pastures. Farmers in the northeastern US seem eager to include Grasslands Matua prairiegrass in their practice. Unfortunately, not all is as it seems with this plant, since studies in West Virginia have shown it to be susceptible to foliar disease and winter damage. Although highly productive at the outset, Matua lacks persistence and competitiveness over time. Persistence problems have also been noted for Matua prairiegrass in other parts of the world including New Zealand and Scotland. Results from studies in Scotland were similar to those from the West Virginia studies, suggesting that prairiegrass would be best suited to areas where the likelihood of winter injury is minimal. In New Zealand, farmers noted lack of persistence, difficult establishment, and unsuitability to local conditions as factors limiting the utility of Matua prairiegrass. Farmers in the northeastern US should consider a trial planting of Matua before deciding how to capitalize upon the beneficial attributes of the cultivar. An acre or two may be a good way to start out. Since Matua is better suited to well-drained sites and is responsive to N, farmers should avoid sites with drainage problems and be prepared to provide the needed fertilizer inputs to achieve optimum productivity. Canopy management may also present some challenges since traditional clipping practices do not seem to contribute to persistent and productive stands of Matua. Check with your county extension agent or USDA, NRCS office for details on agronomic management. |
