Laxton

Bromus inermis (Smooth Bromegrass) — a perennial rhizomatous grass reaching up to 1 meter in height, widely used as a fodder crop for livestock and as hay. The plant features a robust tufted root system penetrating up to 2 meters deep, ensuring high resistance to drought, low soil fertility, and the ability to withstand long periods without irrigation.

Bromus inermis leaves range from 3 to 40 cm in length and 4–10 mm in width, displaying a dark green color. The inflorescence consists of a loose panicle up to 20 cm high, which branches multiple times to form elongated seeds measuring 8–12 mm. Flowering begins in late June and continues until mid-July.

The fodder qualities of Bromus inermis are high: 100 kg of hay contains up to 60 feed units and about 6 kg of digestible protein, while green mass reaches 300–400 ц/га. When grown without irrigation, 1 hectare can yield 45 to 60 centners of hay; with irrigation, up to 70 centners. Seed yield is 3–5 ц/га during the second year of growth.

Bromus inermis is easily cultivated on various soils: loams, sandy loams, chernozems, and drained peatlands. It is particularly valuable for establishing permanent pastures, stabilizing slopes, and road embankments due to its ability to protect soil from erosion. Sowing is typically conducted in late April–early May with moist soil; the sowing rate is 12–20 кг/га, with row spacing of 20–40 cm.

Since the plant is drought-resistant and tolerant of low soil fertility but poorly tolerates excess moisture, it is best used in regions with a moderate climate. Bromus inermis can also serve as a decorative element in landscape design thanks to its bright floral scales and flood resistance.