Description

Atom Prairie Grass is an alternative short to long-rotation option for high quality feed requirements. The nil endophyte forage, palatable seed heads, potentially high legume and herb content, and summer heat tolerance, is a perfect fit for late-spring, summer and autumn finishing of young stock. Atom prairie grass also has good winter production, similar to short-rotation ryegrasses, making it a useful pasture tool at this time of year.

Prairie grass will be most productive in fertile (Olsen P above 30), free draining soils with pH above 5.5. If these conditions are met it may last 4-5 years or more. It will not tolerate water-logging conditions, pugging or soil acidity. For optimum establishment it should be sown at 25-30 kg/ha, into soils where temperatures are above 10 degrees C, at a depth of 5-15mm. It is prone to Hessian fly in northern regions.

A lax rotational grazing is recommended for Atom making it ideal for sowing into run-out lucerne stands. It can be successfully conserved as hay and silage.

Key benefits

• Long seasonal spread of growth
• Excellent winter growth and summer heat tolerance
• High palatable
• Potential for high legume and herb content