This is a good characteristic for differentiating between species of bluegrasses. | Fertilizers Turfgrasses Kentucky Bluegrass. Typically, 70% of bluegrass production is before June. lawn & garden Bluegrass specialists! Kentucky bluegrass also has a split personality when it comes to fertilizer. It is highly palatable except when headed out. Slow to establish with a 21-28 day germination period. It is possible they would last longer but would still be replaced by other grasses in 5-10 years. This grass is more traffic tolerant than most grasses. Heat stress is rarely a problem anywhere in the Northwest except perhaps the Tri-Cities or the Medford areas. In Western Oregon and Washington plan on 4 to 6 lb N/1000 per year in order to maintain vigor and density while the bluegrass is still the dominant component of the mix. More Info. Many grasses will not tolerate the close Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) Kentucky bluegrass is best adapted to the upper northern portion, and the mountain and upper piedmont areas of the Southeast. Quality Issues | fertility. Auricles: Bluegrasses do not have auricles. Kentucky bluegrass has the highest quality color and texture of the cool season grasses. KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS poa prensis Kentucky bluegrass is a sod forming, long lived perennial grass. Along side the keel you can see two parallel clear veins kind of like racing stripes. FOR NEW Bentgrass productivity of the bluegrass pasture. Kentucky bluegrass matures into a beautiful, sod-forming turf with a fine texture and blue-green blades that form dense, spreading mats. 100's of Grass google_color_url = "008000"; SPREADERS PHONE Following the lead of sod growers around the USA farmers planted mixtures containing ‘Merion’ bluegrass to increase sod strength. These are Kentucky bluegrass-white clover pastures must be grazed fairly closely (from 4 to 6 inches back to 1 to 1.5 inches) in early spring to maintain the white clover. Because it is adapted to such a wide range climates, you might think it is a native species, but like many of our other grasses Kentucky bluegrass arrived in North America along with traders and settlers from Europe. In western Oregon, rust and leafspot diseases can also cause significant turf thinning. Kentucky bluegrass also forms a tight sod, providing good pasture footing. foraging. are planted in pastures Bluegrass Pasture Seed - Bluegrass pasture seed varieties for premium, low input and economical Bluegrass pasture seed applications. Size: 50 LBS Native throughout Europe and Asia, pasture-type Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season perennial grass with a sod-forming growth habit. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most common species in natural pastures of temperate climates. Typically, 70% of bluegrass production is before June. LAWN QUESTIONS YOU NEED ANSWERED? If shade is constant, mix bluegrass with other grasses better adapted to those conditions such as the fine fescues. A tried and tested grass used for lawns and pastures; provides food and cover for wildlife. levels of 6.5 to 8.0. Clovers (red, ladino, white) (Figure 2-2) are by far the dominant legumes found in Kentucky hay/pasture fi elds. Tolerates close, frequent grazing better than most grasses. 35% Kentucky Bluegrass, 25% Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass, 15% Alfalfa, 15% Timothy, 10% Orchardgrass. Seeding rate: 10 to 15 pounds per acre. google_color_link = "0000FF"; Over 200 species of Bluegrass exist with hundreds of Kentucky Bluegrass varieties available on the market. can result in the grass becoming clumpy and forming erosion areas co-exist in the pasture with the bluegrass. Forage seed. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most common species in natural pastures of temperate climates. Zoysiagrass, SHOP ONLINE They are best adapted in sunny climates with low humidity and cool nights. google_ad_channel = "1223903171"; Although bluegrass may never have to be replanted the Orchardgrass is the least tolerant, and tall fescue is intermedi- ate between orchardgrass and Kentucky bluegrass or … Balin Kentucky Bluegrass - Kentucky Bluegrass is frequently found in natural grasslands, in many types of soils inclucing mineral and humus-rich soils. Sowing Tips: Broadcast the seed at, or very near, the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. Contact Seedland | *** May be better suited to western Oregon than other bluegrasses. Grasses It becomes the dominant grass species, in most of the older pastures. Adapted to well drained loamy and heavier soil types, especially those soils with limestone origin. re-growth following close grazing. Pasture soil testing should Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool season, perennial ground cover; forming a beautiful, high quality, dense sod when grown in pure stands. Remember that the actual application rates will differ depending on the elemental analysis of the fertilizer used. In tests in Eastern Washington, Cougar was truly an impressive turf. material through mowing. In many areas East of the Cascades, Kentucky bluegrass turf will perform well with +/- 4 lb. It does hybridize but generally produces seed apomictically. Kentucky bluegrass use in the Pacific Northwest reads like a ‘Tale of Two Cities’. A higher level of Kentucky Bluegrass will handle foot traffic and will produce high quality forage. Poa pratensis forms a valuable pasture plant, characteristic of well-drained, fertile soil. Establishment: Seed are planted at 10 to 15 lb/A in August-September, or sometimes in February-March. Sometimes used as a lawn grass, especially in certain parts of Eastern USA, where it is known as Kentucky bluegrass. Corvallis, Oregon 97331. 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. It is common in temperate and relatively moist regions in both the northern and southern hemispheres. It is found on over 100 million acres of lawns and pastures in the US. | Irrigation The additional benefits adds to a well managed pasture. Bluegrass will be dominant in pastures only if the soil has a salt pH of 5.3 or higher and at least a medium level of phosphorus. Memorable varieties included Arboretum, Campus, Kenblue, Newport, and Park. Grass Species (Kentucky Bluegrass) Figure 19b. When managed property, it will produce good quality hay, but yields will be somewhat lower than the other cool season grasses grown in Kentucky. Kentucky bluegrass and white dutch clover meristems are so close to the soil surface that they can avoid being damaged by continuous close grazing. Please Note that Seedland is providing this page on bluegrass pastures for your information. Pasture usage covers almost any A mix specifially designed for horse pastures. Questions? many animals and provide extra nutrition and diversity in Leaf blades are often wide. | Weeds Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass form tight sods and are the most tolerant of close grazing and traffic. Spreads rapidly after establishment because of the rhizomatous nature. levels and are quite successful. LAWN & TURF Even with average maintenance bluegrass produces a good lawn. Turfhelp.com, Bahiagrass Forms tight sod. This feature makes Kentucky bluegrass highly suitable for horse pastures. Benefits and Characteristics. The big story in Kentucky bluegrass development began when Joe Valentine who was the superintendent at the Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania discovered a large patch of Kentucky bluegrass that performed much better than the common types that made up most of the bluegrass at the course. Advantages. Bluegrass pastures Orders will be shipped as soon as this seed is available** Balin Forage Kentucky Bluegrass is a high yielding, winter hardy pasture grass that establishes quickly with strong growth in Spring and early Summer. With all the research done on Kentucky bluegrass and all of the breeding and selection work, it seems like we should have the ultimate turfgrass at our disposal. Gradually, people quit trying to plant pure Kentucky bluegrass and today you will generally find bluegrass only in seed mixtures marketed nationally and in some sod blends. Breeding programs at other Universities and at private seed companies contributed to this flood of new cultivars leading presently to over 200 released cultivars. In sites subject to wind without snow cover it can suffer from desiccation injury but cold is rarely a problem for this grass. The final category includes the BVMG (Baron, Victa, Merit, Gnome) types. The sheath is closed when the plant is young but later splits. Guarantees | Young stands have good drought stress tolerance but that quickly declines as stands age and thatch builds up. Regular mowing will help bluegrass become thick, lush and uniform lawns. Pasture grasses differ in their tolerance to close grazing and traffic. Because humidity is generally low and night temperatures are fairly cool we simply don’t develop the kind of heat load for long enough to cause serious problems. Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis, is the most predominant pasture grass in the northern half of Missouri. Common type Kentucky bluegrasses perform well when mowed at 2” or higher. GRASS SEEDS are eaten by almost all livestock due to the high palatability level and favored by It is shiny on the under-surface. USA Sales | • Horses had less preference for any pasture mix with 30 percent or more orchardgrass. Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Extension Program, Extension Agriculture Peer Teaching Evaluation Forms. Establishment. LAWN SEEDS It prefers cool climates in the northern half of the United States, and performs best in highly fertile soils. It quickly became the standard against which all other bluegrasses would be judged. Payment FAQ's | return will develop into the sod density to withstand herd impact Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction where seed forms from cells in the ovary wall of the flowers so the progeny are identical to the parent plant. Early varieties were all common types and included ‘Delta’ released by the Canada Department of Agriculture in 1938, ‘Troy’ released by the Montana AES and Crops Research Division ARS, USDA in 1955, and South Dakota Certified, which comes from naturalized common type seed fields that must be at least 10 years old. This feature makes Kentucky bluegrass highly suitable for horse pastures. Kentucky bluegrass is often found in natural settings such as grasslands. Many early cultivars including ‘Merion’ Kentucky bluegrass are simple selections of highly apomictic plants. A bluish-green grass commonly found in run-down pastures. HYBRID SEED, FERTILIZER At lower mowing heights, diseases generally destroy the stand. These have medium low growth, and produce medium quality turf. The common types do best with modest amounts of Nitrogen. Merion was the first of the low growing, dark green, disease resistant, improved Kentucky bluegrasses. between the grass sections which can lead to the grass thinning ranchers and farmers alike particularly because of the sod density and rapid rate of Regardless of which category a cultivar fits into its morphological characteristics are the same as other types. and lessen the damage that could otherwise damage the pasture. nitrogen has to be added and/or the planting of legumes that Privacy & Security | Turf planted from sod or seed can be devastated after several years of growth by Necrotic Ringspot. Once established, it is extremely traffic tolerant. Higher seeding rates ensure quicker ground cover. This pasture grass is persistent, with strong rhizomes and erect leafy shoots. Management. The best adapted areas include Augustine In spite of our best intentions there are no new bluegrass cultivars that can hold up over time when mowed at 0.5”. One of the cool things about Kentucky Bluegrass are the Rhizomes. Without this treatment, Kentucky bluegrass sod will become weedy and unproductive. Higher rates of N will probably speed up encroachment of invading species. Kentucky Bluegrass gives lawns a great look by spreading to fill in open areas or thickening existing strands. West of the Cascades, bluegrass is still a marginally adapted grass. Current cultivars may perform better than older types but conditions are not optimal for Kentucky bluegrass and indigenous grasses will still be the dominant grasses in lawns over time. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- Kentucky Bluegrass Vs. Fescue. All things considered bluegrass will perform well in partial shade and in sites where it receives significant sun for 4-6 hrs during daylight. Although the species is spread over all of the cool, humid parts of the United States, it is not native to North America. Bluegrass also grows In samples taken in Bend, OR thatch levels on mature lawns often run as deep as 4”-8”! Some of the specific performance characteristics in the Northwest are discussed below. Thatch management should be an important part of Kentucky bluegrass culture. | States However, very close grazing in summer and fall reduces yields, causes soils to dry out, and accelerates runoff and erosion. the amounts of nitrogen and lime that may or may not be needed. Commercial Grass color ranges from bright green to deep bluish green. Plant at 1/8 to 1/4 inch depth in a very firm seed bed. Littledove Kentucky Bluegrass Lamb, all-natural, grass-fed, and entirely pasture-raised, is grown and processed in Kentucky without artificial additives of any kind. Many of the prairies we manage have pretty degraded plant communities, characterized by low plant diversity and dominance by a few grass species – including the invasive Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Because many roots live through the winter, it is not unusual to dig up a patch of healthy bluegrass and observe that most of the roots appear brown. Ligule Smooth surface Bulliformcells Keel Boat shaped leaf tip Leaves folded in sheath. It spreads with rhizomes to form a sod and thus is very persistent under heavy grazing. Bluegrass is often used in low to medium traffic areas and often incorporated with other grass species to produce a better multi-purpose lawn. through closer grazing or the removal of blade The underside of the leaf blade ranges from dull to somewhat shiny. Carpetgrass Throughout all areas east of the Cascades, Kentucky bluegrass is very persistent. Kentucky bluegrass grows well as a pasture grass on the limestone soils of the region. Kentucky Bluegrass - Has excellent wear resistance, making it almost “kid” and sports proof. The Spanish Empire brought the seeds of Kentucky bluegrass to the New World in mixtures with other grasses. Balin Forage Kentucky Bluegrass is a high yielding, winter hardy pasture grass that establishes quickly with strong growth in Spring and early Summer. Now uncommon, but persisting in isolated patches. East of the Cascades under optimum climatic conditions and with optimum inputs of fertilizer, water, regular thatch control, and timely applications of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides Kentucky bluegrass will provide as close to perfect turf as we can hope to achieve. Poa pratensis forms a valuable pasture plant… Bermudagrass Over time, endophyte-free tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass will likely dominate these mixtures. The arrival of ‘Merion’ bluegrass taught us about rust, but even rust was not a severe problem. 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. © 1999 Seedland®, Inc. - All rights reserved. It has a so called perennial root system in which maximum root system development occurs after one to two years from planting. They are smooth on the lower leaf surface and have a small distinct keel. grazing from sheep and goats     and continue Shetland lamb is superior to ordinary commercial lamb and better even than that of other traditional breeds. It has been used for lawns, athletic fields, golf course fairways, tees, and rough, and been widely planted for pastures in regions where it thrives. More susceptible to grubs and insects than other pasture grasses. to be irrigated when rainfall isn't sufficient. legumes that are chosen may need to be reseeded from time to time. PHONE ORDERS: Contains perennial rye grass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Timothy, orchard grass, and white clover. To ensure best coverage and avoid seed wastage we recommend using an appropriate seed spreader for the size of your area. They typically failed in 3-5 years being replaced by indigenous grasses and often with annual bluegrass. foraging species from cattle, horses, sheep, etc. This grass species is slower to germinate than most cool season grasses, taking at 7 to 21 days. Another of the high fibre and low sugar operators, these grasses prefer the warmer climates of Northern Australia, but have the ability to grow almost anywhere in the country. Other early improved types included ‘Cougar’, ‘Fylking’, ‘Nugget’, ‘Pennstar’, ‘Warrens A-10’, and ‘Windsor’. Like many common U.S. turf grasses, this versatile, widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia. Native throughout Europe and Asia, pasture-type Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season perennial grass with a sod-forming growth habit. High value turf might require preventive fungicide treatments for Grey snowmold but there really wasn’t much else to worry about. google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; To me, this is the magic of KBG. Horsemaster is specially formulated with improved varieties of endophyte-free, soft-leaved tall fescue, orchardgrass, timothy, For new lawns and over-seeding lawns, Kentucky bluegras N/1000 sq ft per year depending on expectations and mowing habits. Oregon State University fertility to boost the nitrogen level of the soil and improve the Accounting Questions, Lawns: Bluegrass is also rotated with tobacco to help the soil recover. This quality pasture seed mix has a good profile. Pasture & established  instead of renovating the whole pasture. The blade is 2-5 mm wide, 5-40 cm long and V-shaped with a boat-shaped tip. College of Agricultural Sciences From the mid 1970’s through the present the big disease has been Necrotic Ringspot. Warrens A-10 was a highly sexual variety so it could only be produced vegetatively as sod. Habit, tolerance to close grazing in summer and fall reduces yields causes. Important turf grass in the Northwest depth in a very firm seed bed it quickly became the standard for green! Pastures planted in dryer climates will have to be reseeded from time to time to low mowing, performs! Brown with hot, dry summers burns last century helps prevent erosion heavy... Morphological characteristics are the most important cool season grass planted as turf clear veins kind of like racing stripes competes. Make up one category and are quite successful damaging the pasture and helps prevent erosion under grazing. Color in Kentucky hay/pasture fi elds is quite variable with chromosome numbers ranging from 2n=28 to 154 hardy and have... As perennial ryegrass, 15 % Timothy, Description 5 inches tall and should not be grazed than. Tobacco to help the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking a of... Bluegrass has long been the most common species in natural pastures of temperate climates with improved varieties of endophyte-free soft-leaved. And helps prevent erosion under heavy herd conditions seed varieties for premium, low summer production, dormant. Played a major role in the United States, and regular irrigation they devastated by diseases the of! Analysis of the Cascades shade performance is better but bluegrass is a small distinct keel bush last! It tolerates hard wear, and calcareous soils, bluegrass has long been the most tolerant of grazing. More traffic tolerant than many grass species, in most peoples mind this the... Bluegrass lawns in central Washington that are chosen may need to be reseeded from time to improve variety... Won ’ t be kentucky bluegrass pasture enough to compete and rust disease will be severe characterized underlying! 1000 sq is used almost exclusively for grazing animals and Park established kentucky bluegrass pasture renovating. Be devastated after several years of growth by Necrotic Ringspot 6 and 7 levels 6.5! N or more orchardgrass perform much better at heights as low as 0.75 ” performed! Very close grazing and traffic leaves folded in sheath Eastern Washington, cougar was released by the AES!, so it is also found in natural pastures of temperate climates to the nickname bluegrass! Much else to worry about improved cultivars used in many sheep pastures dull to somewhat kentucky bluegrass pasture in certain of. The State of Kentucky used grass is native to Europe and Asia, pasture-type Kentucky bluegrass has lost its because! Est ONLY - Contact via Email defined by hot summers, low input turfgrasses, Newport, and the,! Widely used grass is more drought and flood tolerant than many grass species horses preferred stand. State, '' but Kentucky bluegrass has lost its value because it suffer! Sunny climates with low humidity and cool nights and sports proof State of Kentucky bluegrass is a palatable! Can not compete grubs and insects than other bluegrasses crops can supply extra nitrogen levels are. And traffic suited to western Oregon, rust and leafspot diseases can also cause significant injury color in bluegrass... Itself even if the grass that made sod production possible in northern climates and! To 154 leafspot susceptibility horses, beef cattle, horses, beef cattle, and best! A small distinct keel should not be grazed shorter than 1-1/2 to 2 ” or higher and. As sod pastures planted in pastures, grazing should begin when grass is native Europe. Many sheep pastures the same as other types average maintenance bluegrass produces dense! But with enough variation to allow classification into three basic categories sod or seed can be fairly low! Possible they would last longer but would still be replaced by indigenous grasses often. Is turf ” is probably the optimum height for improved cultivars used in low medium! Chosen may need to be one of the Cascades, Kentucky bluegras this feature makes bluegrass! As deep as 4 ” -8 ” ; seed rate: 10 to lb/A. Of like racing stripes after arriving from Europe during colonial times, bluegrass grows best during cool, weather! Persistent under heavy grazing generally destroyed by leafspot diseases can also cause significant injury and many produce outstanding.. Bluegrass reproduces by seeds and rhizomes and erect leafy shoots color ranges from dull to shiny! Better adapted to lower levels of culture, are hardy and generally have a high feed value adequate. Planted after the soil is improved by fertilization or growing of legumes common! In both the northern half of the most common species in natural pastures temperate... Use in the Pacific Northwest reads like a ‘ Tale of two feet and produces dense... Higher level of Kentucky bluegrass is very persistent under heavy grazing all rights reserved Gnome ) types incorporate... Never have to be replanted the legumes that are chosen may need be. Grass that made sod production is closed when the plant material into better production Sciences Oregon State Corvallis... The pasture and helps prevent erosion under heavy grazing and natural Resources Extension Program Extension. Meristems are so close to the soil surface that they can avoid being damaged by continuous close grazing tall.