Pastures and rangelands

Creeping bluegrass

Series: Agnote DPI-300 Edition:Third edition Last updated: 04 Apr 2004

Creeping bluegrass
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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	Summer-growing tufted perennial grass with prostrate creeping stems. Beneficial in waterways and grazing.
Area of adaptation	North West Slopes and North West Plains.
Min. average annual rainfall	500 mm
Advantages	Produces good quality forage. Provides quick ground cover.
Disadvantages	Flowers late in autumn so survival limited by grazing at this time and cooler days. Frosts off in winter.
Soil requirements	Medium to heavy textured soil, but needs good drainage.
Varieties	Hatch (public variety) Bisset * - finer-leaved, and has superior stolon development and stolon rooting characteristic, which may improve spread and persistence over Hatch. * Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.
Sowing rates:	as only species - 2–3 kg/ha in mixtures - 1–2 kg/ha
Sowing time	Early summer to late summer, depending on rainfall pattern and weed control.
Companion species	Medics, sub clovers and other suitable tropical grasses.
Inoculation	N/A
Major nutrient deficiencies	Nitrogen and phosphorus.
Main insect pests	No significant problems.
Main diseases	No significant problems.
Management	Avoid grazing in the first year until seed-set. Graze to promote spreading of runners; manipulate grazing to encourage root development from nodes on the runners. Seed production can be increased by avoiding grazing in late autumn.
Livestock disorders of particular note	No problems reported.
Additional tips	Creeping bluegrass will respond to increased nitrogen, so maintain a legume in the pasture mix.

Acknowledgments

The contribution of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries is gratefully acknowledged.

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

Photo: Bede Clarke, NSW Agriculture, Casino