Timothy grass – a perennial grass widely used in agriculture as a fodder crop and for land reclamation. Plant height ranges from 30 to 100 cm, but can reach 160 cm under favorable conditions. Seeds are large (3–4 g), have high purity – not less than 92 %, contain few weeds and other grass species, and germination is at least 75 %. Thanks to these characteristics, timothy grass sprouts quickly in spring after mowing and grazing, making it convenient for multiple use in one season.
The crop has a well-developed root system: fibrous, deeply penetrating into the soil up to 2 meters, with a large number of rhizomes. This ensures drought resistance and can withstand five full grazing cycles on a pasture. Timothy grass grows well on various soil types – from peat-mire to sandy shores, and also in conditions of severe winter frosts, making it suitable for northern regions.
The fodder properties of timothy grass are highly valued: dense shoots are rich in trace elements and vitamins, promote healthy livestock growth. With proper care, the plant can yield up to 100 kg of hay per hectare, and when used for pastures – two full cuts. To maximize hay yield, flowering must be avoided, as this leads to grass toughening. Timothy grass is also often included in grass mixtures for greening slopes and strengthening embankments, protecting the soil from erosion.