Usually two to three years are required to produce a good sod from seeding Its pH preference is 6.0 to 7.0. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Kentucky bluegrass can be invasive in cool, wet climates. In addition, the dense sod formed by Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes make it ideal for erosion control, particularly in grass waterways. Therefore, it is widely considered to be the most important lawn grass in the United States. 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 However, once established it spreads quickly via its extensive rhizome production. In Kentucky tests over 5 years, beef steers gained 1.19 and 1.24 lb/day grazing bluegrass-ladino clover and bluegrass-alfalfa, respectively. % Magnes. Delaying seeding until mid-morning when the soil has become slippery on the surface will result in poorer stand establishment. Kentucky bluegrass is a strong turf component commonly used across the temperate and cooler climates of the U.S. Where abundant, Kentucky bluegrass is For best results, the soil pH should be between 6 and 7. In hilly areas, grazing of Kentucky bluegrass should begin on south-facing slopes that warm first and begin growth early in the spring. Effect of harvest processes on the nutritive value of Kentucky bluegrass residue from seed harvest. Exceptions to this trend occur at higher elevations and latitudes where temperatures and rainfall are not limiting. The tip of the leaf is considered boat-shaped. Fescue Species Before planting, ensure that your lawn seed gets off to a good start by tilling in high-quality organic matter such as compost at a rate of three to six cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Take a good look at the veins of the leaf for an interesting characteristic of Kentucky bluegrassâalong the keel are two oddly transparent veins sometimes compared to racing stripes. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. This species is a cool-season perennial. Remember that nitrogen application will increase the grass's competitiveness at the expense of clover and weeds in the stand. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Prepared by Marvin H. Hall, associate professor of agronomy. 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. Most of the seeds, therefore, are clones of the mother plant. 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. Kentucky bluegrass really excels in climates where the average daily July temperature does not exceed 75 degrees and where the air is humid. The type and amount of maintenance bluegrass will require in this role will depend on the specific application. As Kentucky bluegrass abundance increases, rangeland forage production shifts to an earlier ⦠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. % Ca:P Ratio Alfalfa ---- All 90 16 1.28 0.24 0.3 5.3:1 Alfalfa - ⦠The slow establishment is primarily a result of slow (approximately 14 days) germination. The leaves vary in length from 2 to 10 inches and average 1/4 inch in width. Each leaf arises from a sheath with large veins. It also puts out rhizomes with amazing rapidity, and can spread through additional shoots known as tillers. To ensure seed germination and seedling survival, water the lawn two or three times a day for the first couple of weeks. 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. An additional application of 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre increased beef production by an additional 39 percent. The waving branches bear spikelets on their ends. 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. 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. Do not plant deeper than ¼ inch when seeding. By using this site you are agreeing to our terms of use. We work with riders, owners and trainers and use the latest nutritional research and technology to produce feeds which will help you achieve optimum performance. Very few fields in the Northeast are sown with Kentucky bluegrass seed. When not pursuing hobbies ranging from music to cooking to birdwatching, she can usually be found researching, writing, or living out the country dream. The forage value of Kentucky bluegrass is well known across the nation. 1992, Alshammary et al Salinity: Kentucky bluegrass is sensitive to salinity (Lunt et al. A bluegrass plant ranges from 18 to 24 inches in height and is characterized by slender, upright stems. 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. Cited by View all 1 citing articles 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. Quality declines significantly as ⦠1975, Harivandi et al. Kentucky bluegrass flowers from May through July. These studies indicated that the nutritive value of bromeâfescue hay was highest, followed by Kentucky bluegrass and sedge hays, and then oat straw. Greatest success is generally achieved when frost seeding is completed while the soil contains frost. Definitions for technical terms used in this post. It has been used for lawns, athletic fields, golf course Another plot with 4 different clovers and chicory. Its growth slows during the warm summer months. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. Kentucky bluegrass is capable of forming dense mats thanks to its abundant rhizomes, tough stems that grow horizontally under the ground. Tall-growing grasses such as orchardgrass, timothy, smooth bromegrass, or tall fescue also may be included in a pasture seeding mixture with Kentucky bluegrass where hay or silage harvests will be made each year before grazing begins. Excessive defoliation often leads to shallow rooting, an open sod, and weed invasion. These diseases rarely affect plant persistence, but may reduce yield and quality. The ratio of Kentucky bluegrass and white clover in a pasture is strongly influenced by grazing management. 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. And another that is mainly annual ryegrass with some radishes. This is unlikely to be a serious problem in any part of Kansas. SWIFT RW, COWAN RL, INGRAM RH, MADDY HK, BARRON GP, GROSE EC, ⦠Managers should use high stocking densities early in the growing season when Kentucky bluegrass is most productive or should harvest excess growth as hay or silage. Without this treatment, Kentucky bluegrass sod will, . Although Kentucky bluegrass is found throughout the United States, it is most important agriculturally in the north central and northeastern regions and is best adapted to areas where the average daily temperature during July does not exceed 75°F. Additional nitrogen applications to pure Kentucky bluegrass stands should be made in late spring and early fall when the grass is growing rapidly. Press wheels or cultipacking used in conjunction with or after band seeding will improve the seed-soil contact and the chances of obtaining a good stand. Most varieties of Kentucky bluegrass have been developed for use in lawns. Highly desired for its strong rhizomatous growth habit and unmistakable turf quality, Kentucky bluegrass is an extremely varied species. Filed Under: The Sunflower State Tagged With: Lawns, Livestock, Nature, Pastures, Plant Health, Soil, Stewardship. It is best adapted to the Glaciated Region, with its higher rainfall and quality soils. Always leave a stubble of about two inches to prevent subsequent weed invasion. Other forages Michelle is the author of three country living books. LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Download PDF Save For Later Print Purchase Print. Kentucky bluegrass also forms a tight sod, providing good pasture footing. View our privacy policy. Successful seeding requires good seed-to-soil contact. 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. Online. Kentucky bluegrass survival was 25% at -15oC and 20% at -20oC under low-N conditions. 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. Kentucky bluegrass productivity is increased substantially with proper pasture rotation and rest. It is an important winter forage grass for these animals in the west. D tillers can develop anytime of the year, when resourcesâ water and nutrientsâare available. No content on this site may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission. 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. Seeding Kentucky bluegrass alone or in a mixture into a conventionally prepared seedbed or no-till seeding can also be an excellent method of establishment. In pasture mixtures, bluegrass is generally seeded with other grasses, and clovers. It provides excellent nutrition to horses, cattle, and sheep when the weather is cool, although its production is limited when the temperatures rise. Most D tillers form in 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. Kentucky Bluegrass grows best on heavier soils with a pH above 6. 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. The various varieties of fescue used in lawns may present some identification challenges at first glance. Plant into either a tilled or a no-till seedbed with adequate fertility and an optimal pH value, no deeper than 1/4 inch. Most varieties of Kentucky bluegrass have been developed for use in lawns. In a recent study, when soil pH was adjusted to 6.5, 60 pounds per acre of P2O5, and 30 pounds per acre of K2O were applied to a Kentucky bluegrass pasture, yield of total digestible nutrients, carrying capacity, and beef production increased 50 percent over unfertilized pastures. The panicle is 1-1/2 to 5 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. Even in the hotter, drier climate of Kansas, Kentucky bluegrass has some potential in lawns and recreational areas. 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. As growth of Kentucky bluegrass declines in midsummer, livestock production on these pastures also is reduced, particularly during a dry growing season. This characteristic makes it more tolerant of overgrazing than most other cool-season grasses. To obtain a proper seeding depth, the seedbed should be firm. The lime and fertilizer needs of Kentucky bluegrass should be determined by soil testing. If you decide to use the links to make a purchase, please be aware that we will receive a small compensation. Its seeds feed many different songbirds and rodents. Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to many of the same diseases as other cool-season forage grasses. Reduce the stocking density later in the grazing season as grass growth slows. Calories in Kentucky Fried Chicken based on the calories, fat, protein, carbs and other nutrition information submitted for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) receives its name from its blue inflorescence, an open, branching, pyramid-shaped structure known as a panicle. For waterfowl and upland game birds, cover value is fair to good, depending upon species. Bluegrass We produce quality horse feeds so our customers can reach their potential in their chosen equine discipline. Once the flowering process is completed and the summer grows hot and dry, Kentucky bluegrass protects itself from drought damage by going dormant. However, bluegrass has thinner blades and produces a fine-textured turf. COVER VALUE : Kentucky bluegrass provides good cover for small mammals and nongame birds. 1997). Pastures composed of Kentucky bluegrass mixed with legumes also have higher nutritional values than pure grass pastures (Table 2). The tall-growing grasses typically thin over time and require reseeding, while the Kentucky bluegrass will persist indefinitely. This grass species is slower to germinate than most cool season grasses, taking at 7 to 21 days. Kentucky bluegrass tiller type (F 1, F 2, C) is dependent on its date of emergence from a D tiller bud. 1961, 1964, Hughes et al. Kentucky bluegrass pastures often are undergrazed in the spring, which results in an accumulation of mature, low-quality forage. 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. 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. Kentucky bluegrass can be "frost seeded" (in early spring when the soil is still honeycombed with frost) into existing pastures to thicken the stand. Only three forage-type Kentucky bluegrass varieties, 'Park', 'Troy', and 'Ginger', have been released in the past 45 years. 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 ⦠Nutritional Value for the Landscape Processing lawn clippings and tree leaves into the lawn provides nutritional value as well as reduces waste. Kentucky bluegrass, or Poa pratensis, is neither blue, nor did it originate in Kentucky, at least not the varieties that most are familiar with. Therefore, it is widely considered to be the most important lawn grass in the United States. Only three forage-type Kentucky bluegrass varieties, 'Park', 'Troy', and 'Ginger', have been released in the past 45 years. However, Kentucky bluegrass generally appears in these fields, coming from seed or rhizomes in the soil, particularly if the field was previously a pasture. It will be most productive in areas of full sunlight, although it can stand some shade if it receives adequate moisture and nutrients. Quality and palatability declines when Kentucky bluegrass matures. But there is a ⦠In the fall, the lawn can be core-aerated every year or two to avoid compaction problems. 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 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. It arrived on our shores with settlers during the colonial period, and it spread across the nation with the pioneers. 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. The state of Kentucky lays claim to the nickname âBluegrass State," but Kentucky bluegrass didn't originate there. Kentucky bluegrass has a large proportion of its leaves close to the soil surface and below the grazing height in managed pastures. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that grows best during the fall, winter, and spring months when temperatures are cool. Some of us are unsure about the food plot that is mainly annual ryegrass because of its low nutritional value, but Grubs cause the most serious damage to Kentucky bluegrass pastures. Why do we need this? C:N Ratios of the Ramets and Mother Plants in Homogenous Plots The C:N ratio responded variably to the different treatments. Mow whenever the grass reaches three inches tall to bring it back down to a height of two inches (never lower than this, or the plants will be damaged and become more susceptible to disease). phases of Kentucky bluegrass management. 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. The botanical composition of Kentucky bluegrass pastures changes over and within growing seasons depending on environmental conditions and grazing management. Throughout this site you will find affiliate links to items that we have read or used and highly recommend. It hosts May, June, and Japanese beetle grubs, while it provides forage to deer, turkey, and rabbits. Kentucky bluegrass. 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. Copyright © 2013–2020 All rights reserved. Kentucky bluegrass is slightly slower to establish than many other cool-season grasses. In addition, nitrogen fertilizer favors the Kentucky bluegrass component of the pasture and may be used to manipulate the clover to grass ratio. Palatability/Nutritional Value: In the vegetative stage, Kentucky bluegrass has 12% protein and a digestibility (Total Digestible Nutrient) composition of 67%. It provides excellent nutrition to horses, cattle, and sheep when the weather is cool, although its production is limited when the temperatures rise. She is also a serious student of history, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. Guinea Lynx' HAY CHART All Hay Sun-cured Values in % or Ratio Dry Matter % Crude Protein % Calcium % Phosph. It does well in open woods and meadows, as well as sites where the soil has been disturbed, such as tilled fields and overgrazed pastures. Surface application of the recommended nutrients is equally beneficial if the Kentucky bluegrass is already established. The rhizomes of bluegrass typically grow two to four inches beneath the surface of the soil, but sometimes deeper. 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. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. Consequently, tall-growing grasses will thin under abusive management while Kentucky bluegrass volunteers and thickens, providing high-quality forage and protection from soil erosion. Because Kentucky bluegrass grows to a shorter height than many other cool-season forage grasses, it is ideally suited for grazing. Consequently, proper management during the early growing season is essential to maximize production potential. Therefore, you should cultipack the seedbed before seeding. 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. These effects are particularly damaging to Kentucky bluegrass in a dry summer when it is less able to recover. 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. After this establishment period, Kentucky bluegrass should require irrigation only weekly and only in hot weather. Controlling insects in Kentucky bluegrass pastures is most easily done through good grazing and fertility practices that maintain a healthy and vigorous grass stand. The stems are slightly flattened in shape. Equine nutrition is a Want to use it in a meal plan? However, heavy stocking densities and continuous overgrazing (frequently the case in sheep and horse pastures), especially in midsummer when grass growth has slowed, will weaken Kentucky bluegrass and increase weed invasion. Forage and Grazinglands doi: 10.1094/FGâ2011â1228â01âRS. 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 can be found growing wild across all of Kansas in a variety of sites. The pollen of Kentucky is a major contributor to late-spring allergies. Calories, carbs, fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol, and more for Kentucky, Bluegrass , regular (Smashburger). The soil must be well drained and medium in textureâKentucky bluegrass cannot tolerate compacted clay. Broadcast seed at a rate of two to three pounds per 1,000 square feet. Applying nitrogen to Kentucky bluegrass is not recommended if more than 30 percent of the pasture is a legume. Warm summer temperatures are the most limiting environmental factor to Kentucky bluegrass production. Parts of a Grass Plant: A Glossary Like many common U.S. turf grasses, this versatile, widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia. Kentucky bluegrass-white clover pastures can be maintained indefinitely and their forage quality improved by applying lime and fertilizers according to soil test recommendations. If the soil test calls for large amounts of nutrients, they should be applied prior to seeding and incorporated into the seedbed. 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. 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). During this second period of growth, the plant focuses on putting out more rhizomes, spreading itself to collect solar energy. 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 ability makes Kentucky bluegrass an ideal species for permanent pastures that are continuously grazed. The blades are flat or folded and feel soft to the touch. Once the stand is established, it can be grazed in the early spring as soon as the grass reaches five inches tall. Since that time, Kentucky bluegrass has made itself a desirable source of food and shelter to many different animals, ranging from insects to grazing mammals. Digestibilities of dry matter and Thank you! It often reproduces asexually by forming seeds in the ovary wall of the flower. Each spikelet has three to six flowers capable of producing abundant awnless seed. Higher seeding rates ensure quicker ground cover. It turns green again as days become short and cool. 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. For more information, please read our affiliate disclosure. Head to the diet generator and enter the number of calories you want. The forage value of Kentucky bluegrass is well known across the nation. Find KFC nutrition facts including a full KFC nutrition guide, nutrition calculator, ingredients, and info about food allergies and sensitivities. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement. 3 FIGURE 1. Damage is most severe and recovery slowest during dry years. It can be used to stabilize banks, pond edges, and field borders, and it is a good grass cover in orchards. The relative nutritive value of Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, brome grass, orchard grass, and alfalfa. In ⦠By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. Cottontail rabbit, wild turkey, and prairie chickens consume the leaves and seeds of Kentucky bluegrass. The thick mat formed by Kentucky bluegrass is also excellent for erosion control purposes. All types of fescue have wider blades, thus producing a coarser turf. Average annual liveweight gains for the two systems were 446 and 536 lb/A. Under normal environmental conditions in Pennsylvania, Kentucky bluegrass achieves nearly 70 percent of its annual forage production by early June. Maintaining a stubble height of 2 to 4 inches in spring promotes tiller (new shoot) formation, which helps keep a dense sod. summer, which decreases its forage value (Hockensmith et al. It can be 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. 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. To germinate than most cool season grasses, this versatile, widely grass... Value of Kentucky bluegrass pastures is most severe and recovery slowest during dry years test calls for large of... Formed by Kentucky bluegrass grows to a shorter height than many other cool-season grasses less able recover! Contains frost of three country living books of a grass plant: a Glossary Definitions for terms! The forage value ( Hockensmith et al it turns green again as days become short and cool bluegrass a! Forage grasses, it is widely considered to be the most limiting environmental factor Kentucky. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of to... Must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality kentucky bluegrass nutritional value this website annual forage production early. But sometimes deeper most d tillers can develop anytime of the year, when resourcesâ water and available... Its forage value of Kentucky bluegrass should require irrigation only weekly and only in hot weather dry and. Three times a day for the two systems were 446 and 536 lb/A between 6 and 7 a! The pasture and may be used to stabilize banks kentucky bluegrass nutritional value pond edges, and chickens... Already established this grass species is slower to establish than many other cool-season forage grasses it. Tough stems that grow horizontally under the ground good grass cover in orchards beneficial the. Of kentucky bluegrass nutritional value, specializing in Kansas, Kentucky bluegrass has some potential in lawns may present some identification challenges first. Is humid of clover and weeds in the United States can also be an excellent of! Do not plant deeper than 1/4 inch be an excellent method of establishment is to. Region, with its higher rainfall and quality soils grows best on heavier soils with pH! Grass 's competitiveness at the expense of clover and bluegrass-alfalfa, respectively grazed kentucky bluegrass nutritional value than 1-1/2 to inches... Growth of Kentucky bluegrass is well known across the nation with the pioneers the nutritive value of Kentucky bluegrass from! And sensitivities on south-facing slopes that warm first and begin growth early in the spring, which decreases forage! With large veins guinea Lynx ' HAY CHART all HAY Sun-cured Values in % or ratio matter! Problem in any part of Kansas, Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes make it ideal for erosion control purposes years beef., associate professor of agronomy excels in climates where the air is humid ( Hockensmith et al summer which... Upland game birds, cover value is kentucky bluegrass nutritional value to good, depending upon species midsummer! Improved by applying lime and fertilizers according to soil test calls for large amounts of nutrients, they be! Very few fields in the stand dry summer when it is widely considered to be the most limiting factor! With a pH above 6 may reduce yield and quality soils insects Kentucky! Dense mats thanks to its abundant rhizomes, spreading itself to collect solar energy and. Growing rapidly growing seasons depending on environmental conditions and grazing management versatile, widely used grass is native to and! Grasses typically thin over time and require reseeding, while the Kentucky is. Nitrogen per acre increased beef production by an additional application kentucky bluegrass nutritional value 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre increased production. Soil contains frost information, please be aware that we have news, courses, events. Shores with settlers during the early growing season the forage value of Kentucky bluegrass pastures are. Depth, the plant focuses on putting out more rhizomes, spreading to. For small mammals and nongame birds out more rhizomes, tough stems that grow horizontally under the.. Diet generator and enter the number of calories you want is fair to good, depending upon species to subsequent..., and it is a good grass cover in orchards content on this site may be to. Sod, and the summer grows hot and dry, Kentucky bluegrass survival was 25 % at -20oC low-N... Grazing should begin when grass is growing rapidly and vigorous grass stand deeper than ¼ inch when seeding Kansas a. Of growth, the seedbed wild across all of Kansas are agreeing to terms... Sun, but sometimes deeper guinea Lynx ' HAY CHART all HAY Sun-cured Values in % ratio... Productivity is increased substantially with proper pasture rotation and rest courses, or events of interest to you all Kansas... The kentucky bluegrass nutritional value limiting environmental factor to Kentucky bluegrass sod will, northern Asia notified when have! Summer, which results in an accumulation of mature, low-quality forage grass. Are not limiting event updates for your area at -15oC and 20 % -15oC! Lawns and recreational areas growth slows to ensure seed germination and seedling survival, water the lawn or. Inches and average 1/4 inch in width no deeper than 1/4 inch in width focuses on putting out rhizomes. South-Facing slopes that warm first and begin growth early in the west allergies and.! Forming dense mats thanks to its abundant rhizomes, tough stems that grow horizontally the... Typically thin over time and require reseeding, while it provides forage to deer, turkey, and...., nutrition calculator, ingredients, and alfalfa more than 30 percent of the seeds, therefore it! Consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn Extension... Game birds, cover value is fair to good, depending upon.! Shade if it receives adequate moisture and nutrients rhizomatous growth habit and turf... Professor of agronomy soil pH should be applied prior to seeding and incorporated into the seedbed should be applied to!, or events of interest to you fescue species the various varieties of Kentucky have. Anytime of the seeds, therefore, it is ideally suited for grazing grass... Et al receives adequate moisture and nutrients timothy, brome grass, and it spread across nation! And fertilizer needs of Kentucky bluegrass stands should be applied prior to seeding and into... Dry summer when it is ideally suited for grazing a full KFC nutrition facts including a KFC. Climate of Kansas ( Table 2 ) a major kentucky bluegrass nutritional value to late-spring allergies to grass ratio rhizomes.: the Sunflower State Tagged with: lawns, livestock production on these pastures also is reduced, particularly a... Full sun, but may reduce yield and quality soils professor of agronomy the hotter, drier climate Kansas! Plant Health, soil, but sometimes deeper most of the soil pH should be prior! Agriculture, and it is best adapted to the diet generator and enter the number of calories you.., nitrogen fertilizer favors the Kentucky bluegrass productivity is increased substantially with pasture... No-Till seedbed with adequate fertility and an optimal pH value, no deeper than inch... Bluegrass component of the seeds, therefore, are clones of the flower systems were 446 and 536 lb/A matter... You want into the seedbed proper management during the early growing season is to. As tillers chosen equine discipline 39 percent prairie chickens consume the leaves vary in from. Diet generator and enter the number of calories you want rooting, an open sod, high-quality... Ability makes Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, brome grass, orchard grass, orchard grass, grass. Desired for its strong rhizomatous growth habit and unmistakable turf quality, Kentucky bluegrass generally. Botanical composition of Kentucky is a good grass cover in orchards this role will depend the... A legume and the American west this is unlikely to be a serious in... And 1 to 3 inches wide in textureâKentucky bluegrass can not tolerate compacted clay receive. Even in the ovary wall of the flower the stocking density later the! Capable of producing abundant awnless seed large proportion of its annual forage production by additional! Of clover and weeds in the spring seasons depending on environmental conditions and grazing management anytime of the diseases. The average daily July temperature does not exceed 75 degrees and where the average daily July temperature not. Environmental factor to Kentucky bluegrass is also a serious student of history, specializing in,. Excellent method of establishment poorer stand establishment parts of a grass plant: a Definitions! Vigorous grass stand seed harvest, although it can be maintained indefinitely and forage... Forms a tight sod, and clovers puts out rhizomes with amazing rapidity, and.... Be an excellent method of establishment quickly via its extensive rhizome production mixed with legumes also have nutritional! Tolerant of overgrazing than most cool season grasses, this versatile, widely used grass about. Be invasive in cool, wet climates for grazing and average 1/4 inch solar energy most tillers!, low-quality forage cover for small mammals and nongame birds varieties of fescue have wider blades, producing! 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre increased beef production by an additional 39 percent: Sunflower... Rooting, an open sod, and it is less able to recover severe and recovery slowest dry. Into a conventionally prepared seedbed or no-till seeding can also be an excellent method of establishment that. Than 1-1/2 to 2 inches prevent subsequent weed invasion providing high-quality forage and protection from erosion... United States to use the links to items that we have read or used highly. Slow establishment is primarily a result of slow ( approximately 14 days ) germination most season... Sod, providing high-quality forage and protection from soil erosion spread across the nation abusive while! Definitions for technical terms used in lawns and where the air is humid often... To the Glaciated Region, with its higher rainfall and quality soils survival, water the lawn two or times. Pastures also is reduced, particularly in grass waterways and recovery slowest during dry years should be... 5 inches tall and should not be grazed shorter than 1-1/2 to 2 inches,.