Consider Relative Reproductive Maturity of Grasses Seeded With Alfalfa
Matching cool‑season grass varieties to alfalfa’s Reproductive Maturity (RM) is essential to preserving yield and forage quality in mixed stands. DLF’s Forage Maturity Index standardizes maturity ratings across species, helping producers choose grasses—such as orchardgrass, tall fescue, meadow fescue, timothy, festulolium, and perennial ryegrass—that align with alfalfa’s first‑cut harvest timing. Newer “late” or “early” varieties prevent grasses from maturing too far ahead or behind alfalfa. This system, supported by ongoing university–industry collaboration, gives producers a practical tool for selecting varieties that synchronize growth and optimize total‑forage performance. Read more