Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is one of the most common grasses in field and meadow sowing in the forest-steppe and steppe zones of the country. The plant is characterized by frost hardiness, begins growth in spring at a temperature of 5–6 °C, and seeds germinate already at 1–2 °C. A moisture-loving plant, it prefers moderately moist soils: clay and peat lands give the largest yields, while dry sandy soils are unsuitable. Orchardgrass tolerates flooding with spring water up to 30 days well, but is sensitive to drought and prolonged shade.
Orchardgrass has high forage qualities: green mass and hay are easily consumed by animals, and seed germination reaches 96–98 %. Green mass yield can reach up to 200 c/ha, and hay yield – 400–500 c/ha. To obtain quality hay, rapid drying is necessary: after mowing, the mass is turned over in strips and collected into windrows, which are then pressed. The sowing rate ranges from 8 to 15 kg/ha (or 10–12 kg/ha when sown separately), and sowing depth is about 2 cm.
Orchardgrass is often used in perennial grass mixes enriched with white clover and other forage crops. In the composition of mixes, it makes up approximately 15–20% of the total seed mass and contributes to the formation of a dense, stable turf, as well as the suppression of weed growth. When sown together with legumes (alfalfa, sweet clover), the orchardgrass rate is usually reduced to 7–10 kg/ha, which allows for an optimal distribution of soil resources.
The crop is characterized by good adaptation to different soil types and climate: it grows both in forest-steppe and steppe areas, as well as in lowlands and floodplains. Due to its high forage value and cold hardiness, orchardgrass remains in demand for hay, silage, and cereal feed production, especially in regions with moderately moist climates.
