This mix is well-suited for survival where busy stockman can provide only minimal management. It forms a durable grass cover to exclude mud, dust and weeds from paddocks with high stocking rates. Excellent drought tolerance and salinity tolerance. Most palatable in April and May, somewhat less palatable through the remainder of the season.
Mix Includes:
Western Wheatgrass
Tall Wheatgrass
Growing & Maintenance Tips
Suggested planting rate: 25 pounds per acre.
Planting:
- Seed should be planted 1/8 to 1/4" deep into a firm seed bed with a minimus of clods and iar pockets. A grass drill with seed box agitation and depth control is recommended.
- Mid August throught September is the best time period for fall seedings
- Mid February through March is the best time period for spring seedings
- Soil prone to wind erosion with inadequate mulch residue, may need a nurse crop - Cool season seeding of Oats - 7 to 15 pounds per acre.
- Beware of planting in locations with high competition from winter annual grassy weeds such as downy brome or cheatgrass and volunteer cereal grains such as wheat, rye or triticale. They are intense competition to seedling cool season grasses.
- Adequate nitrogen, 40 to 50 pounds, should be available in the upper 4 inches of soil when the grass seedlings reach the 3 to 5 leaf stage (approximately 2 to 3 weeks after emergence).
- Scout for armyworm species frequently the first fall and spring. Rarely a problem after grass is established, however relatively small army worm populations can destroy a stand of seedling perennial cool season grass. When detected early, these insects can be economically controlled without any harm to the grass.
- Broadleaf weeds may require treatment with herbicides. We have seen good results without injury to the grass using 24-D and/or dicamba during the establishment season when used according to label instructions.
- If possible, delay harvest of new stands of perennial cool season grasses until haying in the boot to early heading stage (approximately mid to late May). If haying is not possible delay grazing until the grass is 8 inches tall (approximately early May). Allowing the grass to get taller than this is frequently counterproductive when grazing since much of the forage will be lost to animal traffic. During the first year of grass growth, manage to minimize grazing below 6 inches. These tips allow for maximum plant development during the establishment year.
