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- Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is a short-lived perennial grass with a shallow fibrous root system. It’s a low-growing, bunch-type grass with short, leafless stems. Perennial ryegrass is seeded one year and harvested the next, resulting in one year of seed production. It is typically underseeded with wheat or canola and is utilized in turf applications around the world.
Field Selection
Perennial ryegrass responds well to moisture and nitrogen. The grass is adaptable to different soil types, growing in everything from light-textured sandy soils to heavy clay soils. The field you choose for your perennial ryegrass crop must be free of residual herbicides such as Edge®, Treflan® and others. It’s important to review the herbicide
history of the field before planting—clean fields are important for minimizing weeds at harvest and earning top prices. Glyphosate application in the fall before planting will help eliminate perennial weeds.
Weed and Disease Control
Wild oats, cleavers and quackgrass are problem weeds. Wild oats, cleavers and other broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides, but there’s no in-crop control for quackgrass.
Seeding
Conventional seeding equipment can be used for your perennial ryegrass stand. Seeding at 8-10 lbs/acre with air drills, air seeders and hoe drills works well.
Harvesting
Perennial ryegrass must be swathed, typically in late July to early August. It’s earlier than most crops, splitting up your harvest workload. Harvesting perennial ryegrass usually happens about five to seven days after cutting, depending on the weather. Perennial ryegrass is considered dry at 12% moisture but can be harvested at 14%
or 15% so long as aeration is used to cool the seed and remove excess moisture. Do not use heat as it can affect germination.
Production Benefits
- Early harvest splits up fall workload
- Plant growth regulators can be used
to improve yield and standability - Increases soil organic matter
- Guaranteed minimum contract pricing with
the opportunity to capture market upside - Excellent profitability track record
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Seeding Rate | 8 – 10 lbs/acre |
| Seeding Depth | Max ½ inch |
| Row Spacing | 7 – 15 inches |
| Seed Production Life | 1 year |
| Companion Crop | Wheat, oats, canola |
| Soil pH | 5.5 – 8.0 |
| Fertility | High nitrogen user |
| Swath Timing | Late July to early August |
| Harvest Timing | 5 – 7 days after swathing |
| Seed Moisture | Dry is 12% |
| Seed Value (Est.) | $0.70 – $1.00 / lb |
| Seed Yield (Average) | 500 – 1,500+ (850) lbs/acre |
| Cost of Production | Similar to spring wheat |
Perennial Ryegrass Tech Sheet & Moisture Chart
SEED PRODUCTION GUIDE
CONTACT A SEED PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
From scouting and selection of production fields, fertility programs, pest management and growth regulator recommendations to swathing, harvest timing and cover crop management, a dedicated Seed Production Specialist is with you every step of the way to help maximize returns.