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Dactylis glomerata

Echelon

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.

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Organics offers USDA-certified, non-GMO, and sustainable seeds for North American growers. With extensive certification and a strong track record, DLF supports organic farming with high-quality, environmentally friendly seed varieties.

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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

Ratings

Scale 1-9, where 9 = best or most pronounced

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