PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Lolium perenne
Perennial Ryegrass is the most widely grown cool-season grass in the world. It is theoretically a strong perennial grass when grown in cool, temperate areas. However, in South Africa, with hot summers and (in some areas) low soil fertility, it is considered as a weak perennial. It grows strongly during spring and autumn, with limited growth during winter (better than Tall Fescue) and poor growth in summer.
Leaves are nutritious, soft and highly digestible resulting in good animal production. This grass is best adapted to areas where the annual rainfall exceeds 1500 mm and distribution correlates with the crop’s production curve. In South Africa, it is normally planted under irrigation.
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Production of up to 18 – 22 t DM/ha/season
Depending on environmental conditions and management -
Quick to establish
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Top quality grass species
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Short grazing cycles
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Diploid and tetraploid types are available
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Valuable in certain kikuyu overseeding grazing systems (Dairy)