PERENNIAL RYE GRASS
Lolium perenne spp.
PERENNIAL RYE GRASS
Lolium perenne spp.
Perennial Rye Grass is a winter forage grass that is best adapted to temperate climates. It is often considered a weak perennial in South Africa due to the high temperatures, lack of rainfall and marginal soils in some areas. Its optimal growth period is during autumn and spring, with limited growth in winter and poor growth in the summer time. It is usually planted under irrigation.
Product Details
| Origin: | Africa |
| Scientific name: | Lolium perenne spp. |
| Common name: | Perennial Rye grass / Raaigras |
| Vegetative cycle: | Perennial |
| Soil fertility: | High (well drained, clay to loam) |
| Growth habit: | Bunchgrass |
| Height: | < 1 m |
| Utilisation: | Direct grazing, Hay-making & Silage |
| Type of animal: | Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Goats, Game |
| Palatability: | Medium |
| Digestibility: | High |
| Rainfall requirements: | > 1500 mm/year |
| Drought tolerance: | Low |
| Cold tolerance: | Medium |
| Crude protein content: | 5 – 10% |
| Plant date: | February – April |
| Planting equipment: | Hand, Fine seed sower, Fert. spreader |
| Sowing depth: | 10 – 15 mm |
| Seeds per hectare: | 25 kg/Ha |
| Forage production: | 18 – 22 ton DM/ha/year |