Italian Annual Ryegrass is an excellent contribution to any farming enterprise. An essential component within a pasture renovation program due to its aggressive growth habit, it will dominate persistent annual weeds. An excellent clean-up option for dirty paddocks prior to sowing back down to perennials or cropping.
In addition to its aggressive growth, annual ryegrass is also known for its rapid germination and high production abilities during the autumn and winter months, therefore it can be a useful addition when looking to fill a winter feed gap. With high feed value in energy and protein and a consistent producer it will provide excellent dry matter yields in both the paddock and the bale at consistent quality.
MANAGEMENT TIPS
Sowing Rates:
15-25kg/ha alone
3-15kg/ha in a blend
Sowing depth should be no greater than 15mm.
Grazing:
DO NOT graze until plants are firmly established and cannot be pulled out, 1st grazing should only remove tops to encourage tillering.
A ryegrass tiller will only ever produce three leaves at any one time, for optimum utilisation and production, graze only when at three leaf stage and remove stock when one leaf is remaining. If cutting, cut at between 20-30cms and make sure the cutting deck is no lower than 5cm to avoid removing the crown of the plant maximising quality and yields.
Once emerged monitor for insect damage such as RLEM.
Fertiliser
Soil test should be taken on the paddock prior to planting and adjustment made accordingly.
Sow with phosphorous and nitrogen based fertiliser, further nitrogen applications can be applied moisture allowing, and once the plant is actively growing at a rate of 50kg/ha. If considering cutting for silage or hay a haybooster will increase yields, apply six weeks prior to cutting.
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