Dactylis glomerata
Echelon
Echelon Orchardgrass is a high-yielding, late-maturing forage grass designed for superior palatability and adaptability. Ideal for mixing with alfalfa or clover, this variety thrives in textured soils such as clay and gravelly loams, making it a reliable choice for diverse growing conditions. While not as winter-hardy as smooth brome or timothy, it performs well in regions with as little as 11 inches of annual precipitation. It is not suited for saline soils or areas with high water tables.
This variety responds well to rotational grazing and managed harvest schedules, with the first cut recommended at the boot to early head stage, followed by subsequent cuts every four to six weeks. Proper fertilization after the second cutting can enhance production, particularly in higher rainfall or irrigated areas. A two- to four-cut management system helps maintain high forage quality when paired with alfalfa. To ensure long-term sustainability, avoid overgrazing, maintain adequate stubble height, and limit heavy grazing in late fall.
Key features
- Excellent winterhardiness, persistence & vigor
- Superior leaf disease resistance
- Increased palatability & stand persistence
- Extremely late maturing, keeps quality between harvests
- Well adapted, suited for hay, silage or grazing
Segment
Forage
Category
Orchardgrass
Species
Orchardgrass
Sci. Name
Dactylis glomerata
Emergence (Days)
18
Growth Habit
Erect to Intermediate
Head Length
Medium
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Leaf Length
Medium to Long
Leaf Pubescence
Glabrous
Leaf Width
Medium to Wide
Lemma Awns
Awned
Lemma Keel Pubescence
Glabrous
Lemma Pubescence
Moderately Pubescent
Plant Height
Medium
Ploidy
Tetraploid
Seed Weight
2.1g/1000 Seeds
Approx. Seeds/Kg.
915000
Approx. Seeds/Lb.
416000
Seeding Depth (cm)
0.635-1.27
Seeding Depth (Inches)
1/4-1/2
Seeding Rate - Alone/New (Kg./Hectare)
17-28
Seeding Rate - Alone/New (Lbs./Acre)
15-25
Planting Times
Spring, Late Summer-Early Fall
Seeding Rate - Mixes (Kg./Hectare)
4-11
Seeding Rate - Mixes (Lbs./Acre)
3-10
Livestock
Alpaca/Llama ,
Cattle ,
Goats ,
Horses ,
Sheep
Usage
Hay ,
Silage ,
Pasture
Winter Hardiness
9