Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Description

Perennial ryegrass is known to have excellent forage quality and digestibility. It establishes very easily and germinates rapidly, making it a good grass for repair and overseeding. Ryegrass responds rapidly to water and nitrogen, making it excellent for dairy applications where manure water is available. Like annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrasses are either diploid or tetraploid.

Strengths

Medium yields; vigorous establisher; high forage quality and palatability; high leaf-to-stem ration; compatible with legumes.

Limitations

Less persistent than orchardgrass; lacks heat and drought tolerance; difficult to dry for hay; difficult to cut with sickle bar mower; poor summer regrowth.