Bluegrass (Angleton grass)

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 useA perennial tufted summer-growing grass for grazing.
Area of adaptationIt is especially adapted to cracking clay soils in summer-rainfall areas of the North West Slopes and Plains of NSW.
Min. average annual rainfallMinimum 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.
  • 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 requirementsIt 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 timeSowing 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.

InoculationNot applicable.
Major nutrient deficienciesPredominantly nitrogen but will respond to phosphorus and sulfur.
Main insect pestsNo reports of insects of importance.
Main diseasesNo 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 noteNo livestock disorders encountered.
Additional tipsIt 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.