Abstract

Warm season grasses, such as sudangrass and millet, can provide quality forage in the hot summer months, when cool season grasses enter dormancy and decline in productivity. Varieties of these species can differ widely in their growth characteristics, such as stem width and leaf to stem ratio, which influences their quality potential. Additional traits, such as brown mid-rib (BMR), can further increase the quality of these species through improved fiber digestibility. However, seed costs for these improved varieties can be considerable. With seeding rate recommendations varying between seed company, Extension, and the limited scientific literature, it can be difficult for a farmer to ensure they’re using a cost-effective rate. To better understand the yield and quality tradeoffs and accompanying costs of various seeding rates and types of summer annual grasses, the UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program initiated a field trial in 2022.

Keywords

Vermont, University of Vermont, UVM Extension, Northwest Crops & Soils

Publication Date

3-2023

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