Timothy grass (Phleum pretense) is a perennial loosely-culm plant widely used in agriculture as a fodder crop and seed source. It is distinguished by high frost resistance: it germinates at 1–2 °C and begins growth in spring when the average daily temperature rises to 5–6 °C. The plant is not demanding regarding heat but requires moderate moisture; it withstands flooding with spring water for up to 30 days, however it cannot tolerate drought and prolonged shade. Most productive on clayey, moist soils, as well as on drained bogs; sowing is not recommended in dry sandy soils.
Timothy grass is a valuable feed for livestock: in 1 kg of hay there are about 0.49 feeding units and 42 g of digestible protein. In green mass, protein content reaches 12–14% of dry matter, and in hay – 7–8%. Protein digestibility is approximately 52%, making the plant suitable for use both as silage and in silage. When sown together with clover, the clover yield increases, and timothy grass ensures the stability of the mixture.
Seed yield can reach 1 t/ha with high agro-technical preparation; the sowing rate is from 4 to 10 million viable seeds per hectare. The plant grows well even in poor soils, making it attractive for use in various climatic zones of the forest-steppe and steppe zones of the country. Due to its universality and resistance to unfavorable conditions, timothy grass remains one of the key plants for producing pasture feed and seeds.
