Generally, turf clippings contain 6-7% nitrogen, 0.5 to 1.0% phosphorous and 2-4% potassium; when returned to the lawn, they can account for a fourth of the lawn's fertilizer applications each year. Kentucky bluegrass has a large proportion of its leaves close to the soil surface and below the grazing height in managed pastures. As Kentucky bluegrass abundance increases, rangeland forage production shifts to an earlier … Reduce the stocking density later in the grazing season as grass growth slows. Under normal environmental conditions in Pennsylvania, Kentucky bluegrass achieves nearly 70 percent of its annual forage production by early June. The stems are slightly flattened in shape. In addition, nitrogen fertilizer favors the Kentucky bluegrass component of the pasture and may be used to manipulate the clover to grass ratio. Plant into either a tilled or a no-till seedbed with adequate fertility and an optimal pH value, no deeper than 1/4 inch. It turns green again as days become short and cool. Definitions for technical terms used in this post. Kentucky bluegrass. The state of Kentucky lays claim to the nickname “Bluegrass State," but Kentucky bluegrass didn't originate there. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that grows best during the fall, winter, and spring months when temperatures are cool. In Kansas, the best time to plant is September, as the soil will be cooling off and the weeds will be less competitive than in the spring. In pastures, grazing should begin when grass is about 5 inches tall and should not be grazed shorter than 1-1/2 to 2 inches. Some of us are unsure about the food plot that is mainly annual ryegrass because of its low nutritional value, but Another plot with 4 different clovers and chicory. Applying approximately 25 pounds per acre of nitrogen fertilizer to Kentucky bluegrass in early spring before green-up will stimulate growth and generally allow grazing to begin earlier. During this second period of growth, the plant focuses on putting out more rhizomes, spreading itself to collect solar energy. This is unlikely to be a serious problem in any part of Kansas. Since that time, Kentucky bluegrass has made itself a desirable source of food and shelter to many different animals, ranging from insects to grazing mammals. This species is a cool-season perennial. Where the height of the grass is not an issue, it will only need to be mowed once a year to control weeds and keep the stand looking its best. 3 FIGURE 1. Late in the fall, the growth slows down and carbohydrates are stored in the abundance of new rhizomes to provide the nutrients needed to start all over again in the spring. Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa pratensis L. Tom Cook Oregon State University Introduction: Kentucky bluegrass has long been the most important cool season grass planted as turf. It will be most productive in areas of full sunlight, although it can stand some shade if it receives adequate moisture and nutrients. Cottontail rabbit, wild turkey, and prairie chickens consume the leaves and seeds of Kentucky bluegrass. Although Kentucky bluegrass is found throughout the United States, it is most important agriculturally in the north central and northeastern regions and is best adapted to areas where the average daily temperature during July does not exceed 75°F. After this establishment period, Kentucky bluegrass should require irrigation only weekly and only in hot weather. The panicle is 1-1/2 to 5 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. Kentucky bluegrass is found in most pastures in the northeastern United States because it tolerates close and frequent grazing better than other cool-season forage grasses. Always leave a stubble of about two inches to prevent subsequent weed invasion. 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