Pastures and rangelands

Bluegrass (Angleton grass)

Series: Agnote DPI-394 Edition:Second edition Last updated: 16 Jun 2004

Bluegrass tuft
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image available)

Bluegrass seedhead
(High-resolution
image available)

NOTE: The information in this Agnote must be read in conjunction with Introduction to selecting and using pastures in NSW, which covers information on areas of adaptation, sources of variability, species mixtures, and important issues related to animal health and the conservation of native vegetation.

Pasture type and use	A perennial tufted summer-growing grass for grazing.
Area of adaptation	It is especially adapted to cracking clay soils in summer-rainfall areas of the North West Slopes and Plains of NSW.
Min. average annual rainfall	Minimum average annual rainfall (summer-dominant) 600 mm.
Advantages	Palatable and persistent under grazing. Can spread by stems rooting down at the lower nodes, but will not spread strongly under heavy grazing.
Advantages	Can survive flooding. Survival up to 8 weeks has been recorded in Queensland. Produces a dense competitive sward, which is important for control of persistent weed species. Is drought-tolerant. Has the ability to thicken vegetatively. It has reasonable seedling vigour.
Disadvantages	Leaves are killed by frost, but plant recovers quickly with the onset of warmer conditions. Seed production is limited in NSW because of the plant’s late maturity. Seed can be dormant for 6 months after harvest. Susceptible to frost.
Soil requirements	It is especially suited to cracking clay soils but will tolerate a wider range of soil types. Suited to neutral to alkaline pH soils. It can survive low soil phosphorus but responds well to improved fertility.
Varieties	Floren* *Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.
Sowing rates:	as only species - 2–4 kg/ha in mixtures - 0.5–2 kg/ha
Sowing time	Sowing time is dependent on soil temperature (17�C and rising). Sow when there is the greatest chance of rainfall, with follow-up rainfall likely to occur.
Companion species	Grasses include Bambatsi panic, Premier digit grass, Rhodes grass. Legumes such as sub clover, medic and lucerne are compatible and improve nitrogen fertility and feed quality. Always check suitability of species for your area with your local agronomist.
Inoculation	Not applicable.
Major nutrient deficiencies	Predominantly nitrogen but will respond to phosphorus and sulfur.
Main insect pests	No reports of insects of importance.
Main diseases	No reports of diseases of importance.
Management	In the season of establishment, a light grazing is possible at the end of the growing season if the secondary root system is well developed. Established stands can withstand heavy grazing, but using rotational grazing will allow the plants to recover and provide a greater quantity of feed.
Livestock disorders of particular note	No livestock disorders encountered.
Additional tips	It is recognised as a competitive pasture species for the control of lippia (Phyla spp.).

Acknowledgments

Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

Photos: Bruce Cook, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.