Seedling Development and Field Performance of Prairiegrass, Grazing Bromegrass, and Orchardgrass

Seedling establishment is a critical phase in pasture management. Knowledge of the seedling development of new forages is necessary to develop management practices and recommend species mixtures for pasture seedings. We compared seedling growth and development of prairiegrass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth = B. catharticus Vahl), grazing bromegrass (B. stamineus Desv.), and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in controlled environment and field studies. Seedlings were sampled weekly for 7 wk in the growth chamber and greenhouse beginning 8 to 10 d after planting (DAP). The number and mass of leaves and roots were recorded. In the field, leaf development was measured during spring and fall of 1997, and leaf and root development were measured during spring and fall of 1999. Forage dry matter (DM) yield was measured in clipped field plots during 1998 to 2000. Grazing bromegrass had more leaves, about twice the number of tillers per seedling, and a greater seedling mass than other grasses. Grazing bromegrass also had 50 to 100% more tillers m(-2) than other grasses in clipped field plots. The larger seedling size and greater tiller density, however, did not translate into greater yield in clipped plots. Grazing bromegrass yielded 10 to 15% less than orchardgrass or prairiegrass. Because of their large seedlings and rapid development, prairiegrass and grazing bromegrass probably should be used at a lower seeding rate or perhaps not used in seed mixtures with small-seeded grasses. Seedlings of these grasses should be fully established by 40 to 50 DAP under favorable moisture and temperatures in the spring and late summer.