ABSTRACT
Orchardgrass (Dactyliaglomerata) is known as cocksfoot in English-speaking countries outside the USA and is a name that describes the flower head. Used only for livestock feed, it is found throughout the world wherever favorable growing conditions are present. In the northeastern USA, orchardgrass is adapted between 35 and 42 N latitude. It also does well in other areas at high elevations where water is adequate. The fibrous root system develops primarily in the upper meter of well-aerated soils and can very efficiently remove water and nutrients. As compared with other similar grasses, relative growth is better on somewhat infertile soils; however, with adequate nutrients and water, it will respond to productive soils. Nitrogen, P, and K are the only major elements that might be needed from fertilizers in most cultivated agricultural soils. Orchardgrass is a very efficient competitor for K. With low available soil K, alfalfa in a mixture will show deficiencies without affecting grass growth.
