LENINGRADSKAYA 853

Meadow fescue (Dactylis glomerata) – a perennial grass species known for its high nutritional value and resilience to various growing conditions. In nature, it is widespread across Europe and in some regions of Asia, particularly in forest-steppe, steppe, and mountainous areas of the former USSR. The plant prefers fertile, loose soils with high nitrogen content but shows sensitivity to excessive moisture.

In agriculture, meadow fescue is valued as a fodder crop due to its high content of fodder units and digestible protein. At flowering stage, 100 kg of green mass contains approximately 22.7 fodder units and 2.1 kg of protein, while in hay it contains 55.0 units and 4.5 kg of protein. With good fertilization, meadows can yield 60–70 centners of good quality hay per hectare in two cuttings. The plant recovers quickly after mowing or grazing, making it suitable for multiple harvests throughout the season.

For sowing, meadow fescue is typically planted in grass mixtures at a rate of 5–8 kg/ha (up to 10 kg in mountainous areas) and in pure form – 18–20 kg/ha. When grown for seeds in pure stands, the rate is about 14 kg, and in wide-row planting – 8 kg. Full plant development is achieved by the third year, after which it maintains stability and productivity for 5–6 years and more. In the Leningrad region, various varieties of meadow fescue are actively studied for breeding purposes, allowing for the selection of the most promising options based on local climatic conditions.

Thus, meadow fescue represents a reliable and highly effective fodder crop capable of ensuring a stable supply of quality feed with reasonable resource use and proper agronomy.