Are you considering establishing a new field of perennial forage grasses this spring or renovating an existing field?  Seed selection, seedbed preparation, fertilization, methods of seeding, time and rate of seeding, and weed control are all an important part of the process.

For cool-season grasses such smooth brome, wheatgrasses, or orchardgrass, the planting period is typically mid-March into April.  Planting in late April or May is suggested for warm-season grasses like big bluestem or switchgrass.

The seedbed for grasses should be firm, well-packed, and free of large clods with just enough loose surface soil for proper seed coverage. Good seed-to-soil contact is essential to maintain adequate moisture near the seeds. This moisture is necessary for germination and for the small root systems of young grass seedlings.

A companion crop such as oats with cool-season grasses can be used for seedling protection and to reduce soil erosion. Sandy soils or hilly sites are most likely to benefit from companion crops.

Grass seedlings grow slowly and compete poorly with weeds. The most frequent cause of seeding failure and slow establishment of warm- and cool-season grasses is poor weed control.  If weeds are abundant, mowing can be used to reduce competition.  Broadleaf weeds can be controlled in grass seedings using 2,4-D ester at a rate of 1 pt/A (4 lbs of acid equivalent/gal).  Do not spray 2,4-D until grass seedlings have at least five leaves.

For more information on this topic, read the Extension NebGuide titled ‘Establishing Dryland Forage Grasses’.