Meadow fescue – one of the most widespread grasses in field and meadow sown lands in the forest-steppe and steppe zones of the country. This tall, moisture-loving plant is well-consumed by animals due to its high protein content and easily digestible form of protein. The plant demonstrates frost resistance: seeds germinate at temperatures of 1–2 °C, and growth begins when the average daily temperature rises to 5–6 °C. Thanks to this, the crop can be grown even in northern regions.
Meadow fescue prefers moderately moist soils: clay and loam soils yield the highest harvests, and the plant thrives on drained peatlands. It does not tolerate drought and prolonged shade, but can withstand flooding by spring water for up to 30 days. The crop grows poorly on waterlogged soils, sand, and dry sandy substrates.
Meadow fescue agronomy is simple, however, it requires proper soil preparation: plow, level, remove weeds, and sow seeds at a depth of no more than 1 cm. The crop is often sown together with legumes; in pure sown lands the rate is up to 12 kg/ha, and when combined with clover – up to 6 kg/ha. Care includes fertilizing with mineral fertilizers (especially nitrogen), harrowing after mowing, and fighting weeds. Organic fertilizers are better not to use in the first year to avoid active weed growth.
Meadow fescue is valued as a fodder crop: its green mass and hay are easily consumed by livestock, and at the proper time of harvesting (bud formation period) they contain the maximum amount of useful substances. With later mowing, more hay can be gathered, but its nutritional value will be lower. Thanks to its cold resistance and indifference to heat, meadow fescue remains a popular crop in both forest-steppe and steppe regions.
