PERENNIAL RYEGRASS AND TALL FESCUE IN MINNESOTA?

摘要

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) are important perennial cool-season forage species that have not been adequately tested for grazing systems in the north central USA. Six varieties each of perennialryegrass and tall fescue and three common grass species were seeded in replicated small plot trials in August 2000 at two locations in Minnesota. Perennial ryegrass established well at both locations but stands declined 12% at Grand Rapids, and 48% at Morris, after one winter. Tall fescue established well at Grand Rapids, but marginally at Morris, and stands declined about 25% over the first winter at both locations. At Grand Rapids, total season yields of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue varieties rotationally stocked by beef cattle in 2001 ranged from 2.4 to 3.4 and 3.0 to 3.8 ton DM/ac, respectively. Forage yield and forage grazed were unrelated or negatively related, suggesting that some relatively lower yielding varieties produced similar or more grazed forage than relatively higher yielding varieties. Some varieties of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass have pasture potential in areas of Minnesota with consistent snow cover, but limited potential in areas with more harsh fall and winter climates.