REED CANARYGRASS FOR FOND DU LAC COUNTY

Introduction

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is a tall, leafy, high yielding perennial cool season grass. Its potential as a forage crop for livestock utilization has yet to be fully realized. In low, wet areas where alfalfa will not persist, reed canarygrass will thrive for many years and can be used for silage, hay, or pasture. Because reed canarygrass propagates from rhizomes (underground stems), it forms a dense sod. This also makes it an excellent choice for grass waterways. In addition to its tolerance of poorly drained soils, reed canarygrass is one of the most drought tolerant of our cool season grass species. Variety selection and management play key roles in its successful utilization in forage-livestock production systems.

Variety Selection

"Wild" and early developed varieties of reed canarygrass were often characterized as having poor quality and palatability when compared with other forage species used for livestock feed. The reduced quality and intake resulted in inferior animal performance. Researchers eventually associated this reduced performance with the high levels of indole alkaloids (gramine, carboline, and tryptomine) present in the grass (Figure 1). Figure 1.

Alkaloids are secondary plant constituents that can be toxic to animals and/or rumen bacteria. Grass breeding stations in Iowa and Minnesota began selecting for "low alkaloid" varieties in the 1970's. Subsequent research with these new varieties has demonstrated significant improvements in livestock performance and intake (especially in sheep) when compared to the older, high alkaloid types (Table 1). At present, it is strongly recommended that only the low alkaloid varieties such as 'Palaton' and 'Venture', be established where the intended utilization is for livestock feed. If stands of reed canarygrass already exist, re-establishment to low alkaloid varieties may only be justified where pasture utilization is intended.

Establishment

Stands of reed canarygrass can be slow to establish. Young seedings typically have low vigor compared to other cool season forage species; thus, weed competition should be kept to a minimum during grass establishment. Additionally, a firm, well prepared seedbed is important.

Reed canarygrass can be established in the spring or late summer if adequate moisture is available. In the spring, a companion crop can be used, but early removal from mowing or grazing at intervals during the season is needed to reduce competition by weeds for light and moisture. Weeds are less of a concern for late-summer seedings and a companion crop is not recommended. However, it is important that these seedings be made in late-July or early-August to allow enough time for adequate growth before the onset of winter. Reed canarygrass seedlings and plant tissue are more susceptible to killing by cold temperatures than those of most other cool season grasses.

The optimum seeding rate for reed canarygrass is 6-8 lbs. of pure live seed (PLS) per acre. It is important to note the germination % and purity % on the seed tag to determine PLS% (PLS = Germination % x Purity%) and adjust actual seeding rates accordingly. Reed canarygrass tends to have a lower germination % than other crop seeds.

Seeds should be placed no more than ½" deep. A forage drill with press wheels or a cultipacker seeder is the preferred method of establishment. As stated earlier, keep weed competition to a minimum during establishment. Seeding-year stands may not look extremely productive, however, be assured that once reed canarygrass becomes established, there will be little competition from other weed or forage species.

Fertilization

It is important that reed canarygrass be fertilized to take full advantage of its forage quality and high-yield characteristics. Unless fertilized, stands will become sod-bound and unproductive within several years. The first step in developing a fertilizer program is to take a soil test previous to establishment and, if needed, apply any corrective applications of P2O5 and/or K2O. Generally no P2O5 or K2O is needed if soils test in the medium range or above.

As with most grasses, reed canarygrass is extremely responsive to nitrogen application. Adequate nitrogen fertility will boost both forage yields and quality, especially crude protein (Table 2). Annual applications of nitrogen should be a minimum of 120-180 lbs./acre on established stands. However, higher rates than this have shown economic merit in research trials in Iowa, Minnesota, and Ohio. Where soils are low in organic matter, or where intensive cutting/grazing schedules are imposed, rates up to 250 lbs N/acre may prove economical. Split applications of nitrogen (not to exceed 120 lb. in a single application) are recommended and will generally result in higher use efficiency. If soil conditions allow, apply the first application in the early spring after plant growth is initiated and a second application after harvesting first cutting.

Research studies have shown that annual applications of P2O5 and K2O show little economic justification if soil test levels for these nutrients are in the mid-medium range or above. If periodic soil tests show a depletion to this range, 30-40 lbs./ac of P2O5 and/or 80-100 lbs./ac of K2O may be applied. However, the major share of fertilizer dollars for reed canarygrass should be spent on nitrogen.

Utilization

Silage or Hay: To maximize both yield and quality, 3 cuttings should be harvested annually allowing for a 4 week fall growth period before first frost. The first cutting should be taken before seed heads emerge, generally early June. Subsequent growth will be leafy and productive. Properly managed reed canarygrass will produce 4-6 tons of forage dry matter per year. Forage quality components will vary, depending upon stage of maturity and nitrogen fertility. With timely harvests and adequate fertility, crude protein values can be in the 15-18% range. Fiber components will be similar to other cool season grasses.

Remember that because reed canarygrass forms a dense sod, machine operations will be possible in low, wet areas where they otherwise would not have been had other types of crops been planted.

Pasture: Reed canarygrass is well suited for pasture use. Excessive forage growth in the spring should be avoided for best quality pasture. Some form of rotational grazing with heavy animal pressure for short periods will make for the most efficient use of reed canarygrass pastures. It may be that some paddocks will need to be machine harvested during the spring growth phase to keep forage lush and palatable. Reed canarygrass will not persist under heavy continuous grazing conditions and animal performance will decline. With low stocking rates, some areas may become too mature unless they are clipped. For more information on grazing systems, contact the Fond du lac County Extension Office.

Soil Conservation: Reed canarygrass is an excellent choice where soil erosion is a concern (i.e. grass waterways, along stream banks, gullies, ponds, etc.). Because of its dense sod, erosion is kept to a minimum.

Summary

Reed canarygrass offers dairy and livestock producers an excellent opportunity to utilize low, poorly drained areas where alfalfa will generally not persist and the inability to perform timely field operations limits row crop production. There are many such areas in Fond du Lac County. Choosing "low alkaloid" varieties, maintaining adequate nitrogen fertility, and making timely harvests, or rotational grazing are the keys to gaining optimum utilization of reed canarygrass stands. Unlike sorghum-sudangrass, reed canarygrass is a perennial that will maintain productivity for an indefinite number of years with good management.