Cool Season Perennial Grasses Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following grasses is best suited for pastures in the upper part of Zone B, Zone C, and Zone D?

  • Warm Season Perennial Grasses
  • Orchardgrass (correct)
  • Kentucky Bluegrass
  • Tall Fescue

    • Which of the following statements accurately describes the growth habit of Kentucky Bluegrass?

  • It is a bunchgrass that forms large, upright clumps.
  • It is a low-growing grass that spreads rapidly through stolons.
  • It grows in dense clumps and spreads through seeds.
  • It forms a dense sod through the production of rhizomes. (correct)

    • What is the main reason for the limited persistence of Orchardgrass stands in the lower South?

  • The lower South is too dry and arid for Orchardgrass to thrive.
  • The high humidity and warm temperatures in the lower South inhibit Orchardgrass growth.
  • Orchardgrass is not tolerant of the high levels of precipitation in the lower South.
  • Orchardgrass is a cool-season grass, and the warmer temperatures in the lower South make it less productive. (correct)

    • What is a key difference in the management of Orchardgrass compared to endophyte-infected tall fescue?

    <p>Orchardgrass requires more frequent fertilization than endophyte-infected tall fescue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about the growth characteristics of Kentucky Bluegrass?

    <p>Kentucky Bluegrass is adapted to cool climates and has a limited production period during summer months. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses is best adapted for use in pastures dominated by legumes?

    <p>Smooth Bromegrass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses is most tolerant of drought conditions?

    <p>Tall Fescue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses is best adapted for growth in cool, humid conditions without drought?

    <p>Timothy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses is most likely to be winterkilled in some years?

    <p>Oats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses is most tolerant of soil acidity?

    <p>Rye (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses has short rhizomes?

    <p>Tall Fescue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses is commonly used for erosion control?

    <p>Tall Fescue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended seeding rate for Smooth Bromegrass when planted alone?

    <p>15 to 20 lb/A (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grasses is most likely to cause bloat in cattle?

    <p>Rye (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plants are LEAST likely to cause bloat in ruminants?

    <p>Birdsfoot trefoil (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of bloat in ruminants?

    <p>Formation of stable foam in the rumen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following management practices can help reduce the risk of bloat in ruminants?

    <p>Providing access to salt and water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the toxic compound that causes nitrate poisoning in livestock?

    <p>Nitrites (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the accumulation of nitrate in plants?

    <p>Heavy fertilization with nitrogen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the typical symptoms of nitrate poisoning in livestock?

    <p>Muscle tremors, labored breathing, and bluish membranes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plants is LEAST likely to accumulate toxic levels of nitrates?

    <p>Birdsfoot trefoil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended course of action for livestock grazing on pastures suspected of containing high levels of nitrates?

    <p>Monitor the animals for symptoms and administer methylene blue intravenously if necessary (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forage species is characterized by having short rhizomes, wide leaves with rough edges, and a panicle seed head?

    <p>Reed Canarygrass (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can you prevent nitrate poisoning in livestock?

    <p>Avoid grazing on pastures with high levels of nitrogen fertilizer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following forage species is known to be particularly susceptible to nematodes in sandy soils?

    <p>Reed Canarygrass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forage species is commonly used in mixtures with small grains like rye, wheat, or oats, particularly in areas farther north?

    <p>Annual Ryegrass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended seeding rate for establishing a stand of Reed Canarygrass in Zone D during April-May?

    <p>5 to 8 lb/A (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following forage species is known to tolerate close, continuous grazing and is often planted alone in the Gulf Coast area?

    <p>Annual Ryegrass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forage species is primarily adapted to well-drained soils with good moisture, making it suitable for the upper Zone C and Zone D?

    <p>Perennial Ryegrass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Ryegrass type is commonly grown in the southeast region of the US and is primarily planted in autumn for grazing?

    <p>Westerwold (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Cool season perennial grasses

    Main pasture and hay species in regions north of Zone A, nutritious with a long productive season.

    Kentucky Bluegrass

    A perennial grass native to Europe, known for its narrow leaves and dense sod production.

    Orchardgrass

    A perennial bunchgrass from Europe, characterized by blue-green blades and high shade tolerance.

    Establishment of grasses

    Planting seeds of grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass in August-September at specific rates.

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    Grazing management

    Proper sheep grazing practices to enhance productivity and maintain grass stands.

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    Reed Canarygrass

    A coarse perennial grass known for its tolerance to flooding and drought, often used for pasture and hay.

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    Annual Ryegrass

    A bunchgrass with high nutritive value, it's primarily grazed in autumn-spring in the USA.

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    Perennial Ryegrass

    A true perennial grass commonly grown in the upper midwest for forage, lasting several years in cool climates.

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    Establishment Rate for Reed Canarygrass

    Recommended seeding rate is 5 to 8 lb/A, planted in spring or fall, for good stands.

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    Fertilization for Ryegrass

    Both annual and perennial ryegrass are highly responsive to nitrogen fertilizers to improve growth.

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    Ryegrass Pests

    Common pests include armyworms and specific diseases like rust; management is crucial for yields.

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    Differences in Ryegrass Types

    Annual ryegrass seeds are 25% larger than perennial ryegrass seeds, differing in survival and cultivation needs.

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    Bloat

    A condition in ruminants where stable foam in the rumen prevents gas release, causing swelling and suffocation.

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    Eructation

    The process of belching to expel gases produced during fermentation in the rumen.

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    Susceptibility to Bloat

    Individual animals vary in how easily they can develop bloat, based on diet and specific conditions.

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    Plants Causing Bloat

    Certain legumes like alfalfa and clover can cause bloat due to their composition.

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    Preventing Bloat

    Feeding dry hay before grazing on lush pastures can reduce the risk of bloat.

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    Nitrate Poisoning

    A toxicity in livestock caused by high levels of nitrate-nitrogen in forage, especially in dry conditions.

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    Symptoms of Nitrate Poisoning

    Signs include labored breathing, muscle tremors, and bluish membranes indicating lack of oxygen.

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    Toxic Nitrate Levels

    Plants with over 1.5% nitrate can be toxic; levels of 5,000-15,000 ppm are dangerous.

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    Control of Nitrate Poisoning

    Monitor animals on heavily fertilized pastures; administer methylene blue in emergencies.

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    Rye (Secale cereale)

    A small grain, annual bunchgrass, tolerant of soil acidity.

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    Oats (Avena sativa)

    A small grain, generally colder sensitive and has a panicle seed head.

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    Tall Fescue

    A perennial grass tolerant of drought, known for its dark green leaves.

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    Smooth Bromegrass

    A perennial grass that forms sod and spreads by rhizomes.

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    Seasonal Production

    Timing of grass production differs by zones throughout the year.

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    Fescue Toxicity

    A health issue for livestock caused by consuming infected fescue.

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    Establishment Rate

    Seed planting rate influencing growth; varies with grain type.

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    Study Notes

    Cool Season Perennial Grasses

    • Cool season perennial grasses are the primary pasture and hay species in regions north of Zone A, and many areas in Zone B.
    • They are generally more nutritious and have a longer growing season than warm-season perennials.
    • Examples include Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, reed canarygrass, and tall fescue.

    Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)

    • Origin: Europe
    • Description: Perennial grass with narrow, boat-shaped leaves and an open, pyramid-shaped seed head. Forms a dense sod through rhizomes. Grows 1-3 feet tall.
    • Adaptation: Upper parts of Zones C and D. Intolerant of drought and high temperatures.
    • Uses: Pasture, limited hay use. High nutritive value.
    • Establishment: Seed, 10-15 lb/acre, in August-September or February-March.
    • Fertilization: Requires fertilization to be highly productive, often in combination with legumes.
    • Seasonal Production: April-October, with limited production in July-August.
    • Management: Tolerates frequent, close grazing; best when grazed to 1-2 inches. Clover grown with it increases pasture productivity.
    • Pests: Grubs, bluegrass billbug, sod webworms, chinch bugs, frit fly, and greenbug aphid can reduce production.

    Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)

    • Origin: Europe
    • Description: Perennial bunchgrass. Flattened leaf sheaths, tall ligule, blue-green blades, and an open panicle. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
    • Adaptation: Upper part of Zone B, Zones C, and D. Less drought- and drainage-tolerant than tall fescue. More shade-tolerant. Does not generally persist more than 2-4 years in the lower South.
    • Uses: Pasture, hay. High nutritive value with good management.
    • Establishment: Seed, 15-20 lb/acre, in August-September, sometimes in early spring in the upper part of Zone C and D.
    • Fertilization: Requires higher fertility than tall fescue, responds well to nitrogen.
    • Seasonal Production: March-June or July. Lower production in September-November compared to tall fescue.
    • Management: Needs better management than endophyte-infected tall fescue. Avoid close, continuous grazing or frequent close cutting. Harvest first hay in boot to early bloom stage.
    • Pests: Armyworms, rust, leafspot diseases, and nematodes (sandy soils).

    Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)

    • Origin: Europe
    • Description: Coarse, sod-forming perennial with wide leaves, rough edges, sharp points, and a panicle seed head. 2-6 feet tall. Deep-rooted, short rhizomes.
    • Adaptation: Upper zones C and D. Tolerant of flooding, poor drainage, and drought; soils pH 5-8.
    • Uses: Pasture, hay, silage. Some varieties (common reed canarygrass) contain alkaloids, reducing palatability. Lower-alkaloid varieties are more palatable.
    • Establishment: Slow establishment due to poor seedling vigor. 5-8 lb/acre, April-May (Zone D) or August-September (Zone C)
    • Fertilization: Highly responsive to nitrogen.
    • Seasonal Production: April-September; limited July-August.
    • Management: Rotational stocking.
    • Pests: Tawny blotch, Helminthosporium leafspot, and frit fly.

    Ryegrass

    • Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum):

      • Origin: Europe
      • Description: Annual bunchgrass with dark, shiny leaves, soft, clasping auricles, and a spike seed head. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
      • Adaptation: Zones A, B, and some of C. Tolerates wet, poor drainage. Less hardy in winter, higher moisture requirements.
      • Uses: Primarily pasture, but also hay/silage. High nutritive value.
      • Establishment: 10-15 lb/acre (mixes) or 20-30 lb/acre (alone). Plant in September/early October (main season), November overseeding possible in Gulf Coast for warm season grasses.
      • Fertilization: Responsive to nitrogen, tolerant of moderate acidity.
      • Seasonal Production: High production in Gulf Coast high rainfall areas November-May, further north mostly late February - May.
      • Management: Can be planted alone in the Gulf Coast, or with small grains or clover elsewhere. Tolerates close, continuous grazing.
      • Pests: Armyworms; rust disease attack some varieties (especially near Gulf of Mexico)

    • Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne):

      • Origin: Europe
      • Description: Perennial bunchgrass with shiny, smooth leaves, short, non-clasping auricles, and a seed head without awns. Larger seeds than annual. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
      • Adaptation: Upper Zone C and D. Well-drained soils with adequate moisture. Less tolerant of drought and heat than tall fescue/orchardgrass.
      • Uses: Pasture, hay, silage. High nutritive value; infected with toxic endophytes can cause staggers syndrome.
      • Establishment: 5-8 lb/acre (mixes), 14-18 lb/acre (alone), spring or late summer.
      • Fertilization: Highly responsive to nitrogen; tolerant of moderate acidity.
      • Seasonal Production: Primary spring/early summer; less autumn production than tall fescue.
      • Management: Rotational stocking preferred; tolerates close grazing; does not stockpile well during autumn/winter.
      • Pests: Usually no serious pest problems.

    Small Grains

    • Rye, Oats, Wheat, Barley, Triticale:
      • Origin: Iraq, Turkey, Europe
      • Description: Annual bunch grasses, 2-4 feet tall, with various seed head structures.
      • Adaptation: Rye and wheat in Zones A, B, C, D; Oats in A and some B varieties. Rye is more acidic soil tolerant, wheat wets soils, oats cold sensitivity.
      • Uses: Rye-pasture; barley, wheat, oats-pasture, hay, silage; triticale-hay, silage. High nutritive value.
      • Establishment: Usually planted in September/October. 60-90 lb/acre in mixtures, 90-120 lb/acre alone.
      • Fertilization: Highly responsive to nitrogen; requires phosphorus and potassium.
      • Seasonal Production: Zone A-November-April; Zone B-November-December and February-April; Zones C, D - March-June.
      • Management: Adequate stocking rate to use forage and promote new leaf growth. Plant an annual legume (e.g., arrowleaf clover) to extend the productive season. Hay/silage harvest boot to early heading stage.
      • Pests: Rusts, powdery mildew, viruses, Hessian fly, armyworms.

    Other cool season grasses

    • Smooth Bromegrass

      • Origin: Russia
      • Description: Perennial cool season grass with narrow, smooth blades, erect panicle. Deep-rooted, rhizomatous. Grows 2-3 feet tall. Best on silt-loam and clay-loam soils.
      • Adaptation: Upper C and D.
      • Use: Pasture, hay, silage. Often with legumes (e.g., alfalfa)
      • Establishment: Seed 15-20 lb/acre, August-September or February-April.
      • Seasonal Production: April-October; limited July-August.
      • Management: Moderate rotational stocking best. Avoid continuous close stocking (weakening). Harvest at boot-early bloom stage for hay.
      • Pests: Armyworms, grasshoppers, foliar diseases (humid areas).

    • Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea):

      • Origin: Europe
      • Description: Perennial bunchgrass with short rhizomes, slightly shiny, dark green leaves with prominent veins and rough edges, compressed panicle. Deep rooted, grows 2-4 ft tall.
      • Adaptation: Zones B, C, D; clay or loam soils; tolerant acidity and poor drainage. Relatively drought tolerant.
      • Uses: Pasture, hay, erosion control; high nutritional value unless containing fungal endophytes.
      • Establishment: Seed drilled 15-20 lb/acre (or broadcast 20-25 lb/acre) in August-September or October and early spring in C & D.
      • Fertilization: Tolerates low fertility and acid soils but responds well to fertilization.
      • Seasonal Production: September-December, March-June/July
      • Management: Endophyte-infected tall fescue can tolerate overuse better; endophyte free/novel variety don't graze closer than 3-4 inches and avoid overgrazing. White/red clover/alfalfa can be used with it. Harvest first hay in late boot stage for best nutrition. Autumn stockpiling is useful.
      • Pests: Fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) strains can drastically affect animal performance. Nematodes are prevalent in sandy soils.

    • Timothy (Phleum pratense):

      • Origin: Northern Europe
      • Description: Perennial bunchgrass, bluish-green, narrow, sharp-pointed leaves, large ligule, dense cylindrical spike seedhead, bulb-like corms at the base. 2-4 ft tall.
      • Adaptation: Upper C and D. Cool, humid conditions; poor performance in warmer zones.
      • Use: Primarily hay (popular with horses), also pasture.
      • Establishment: Seed 6-8 lb/acre, August-September or early spring.
      • Fertilization: Requires more fertility than orchardgrass and responds well to fertilization
      • Seasonal Production: April-October; low production August-October.
      • Management: Harvest best nutritive hay in boot to early bloom stage; avoid late-cut hay.
      • Pests: No significant pest problems within its area of adaptation.

    Forage Disorders (Animal Health)

    • Bloat:
      • Cause: Stable foam in rumen prevents belching (eructation), resulting in gas buildup and potential suffocation.
      • Plants causing bloat: Persian, ball, ladino/white clover, alfalfa, others rarely.
      • Prevention: Avoid turning hungry animals into lush legume/grass pastures; feed dry hay beforehand, avoid wet/frosty pastures. Use surfactants, ionophores, and manage stocking rates.
    • Nitrate Poisoning:
      • Cause: High nitrate levels in plants (e.g., stressed corn, fertilized grasses). Reduced moisture/humidity and/or high nitrogen fertilizer usage can increase plant nitrate content
      • Plants causing toxicity: Sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, pearl millet, corn, wheat, oats, and various weeds.
      • Prevention: Watch animals in suspect pastures/hay; analyze hay (safe up to 2,500 ppm). Do not feed hay over 15,000 ppm.
    • Prussic Acid Poisoning:
      • Cause: Glycosides forming prussic acid (HCN) in plants (e.g., Johnsongrass, sorghum, sudangrass). Occurs after frost, drought conditions, etc.
      • Plants causing toxicity: Johnsongrass, sorghum, sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, wild cherry.
      • Prevention: Avoid grazing just after frost, drought or when green shoots after frost or drought events exist.
    • Grass Tetany (Hypomagnesemia):
      • Cause: Low magnesium levels in blood of animals grazing low Mg content plants in late winter/early spring. Especially cows and ewes in early lactation. Soils low in magnesium, or when wet, inhibit plant's ability to absorb magnesium.
      • Prevention: Lime deficient pastures
      • Prevention: Supplemental feeding of magnesium-fortified mineral mix during the tetany season; injections.
    • Other Disorders:
      • Acute Bovine Pulmonary Emphysema (ABPE): Results from sudden diet changes (lush pasture). Avoid sudden changes in diet. Feed grass hay if an outbreak occurs.
      • Ergot Poisoning: Parasitic fungus growth in seed heads causing reduced blood flow. Clip pastures, provide ergot-free feed.
      • Bermudagrass Staggers: Nervous disorder: alkaloids from fungal infection. Prevent by maintaining young, healthy pastures; avoid mature or matted bermudagrass.

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    Description

    This quiz covers cool season perennial grasses, focusing on characteristics, adaptations, and uses of Kentucky bluegrass. Learn about their growing conditions, fertilization needs, and seasonal production patterns. Ideal for those studying pasture management and grass cultivation.

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