Introduction:
Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)
Cocksfoot is a tussock grass native to Europe, northern Africa and temperate Asia. It has been introduced to other temperate parts of the world including North and South America, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia because of its value as a pasture plant. Cocksfoot is valued throughout the world for its better persistence than perennial ryegrass on soils prone to drying out quickly and of moderate fertility. In Australia, the area planted to cocksfoot has expanded, particularly in the eastern States, from the poorer and drier parts of dairy farms in the high rainfall zone to the sandy or shallow soils in wool producing areas with moderate rainfall. Varieties of cocksfoot available in Australia can be classi?ed into two main groups – ‘Mediterranean types’ with moderate to high summer dormancy and ‘intermediate types’ which are more summer-active.
Establishment:
Cocksfoot possesses a small, very light seed averaging about 1.3 million/kg. It needs to be sown close to the surface at a depth
of 10 mm or less on most soils. The suggested rate is 2-3 kg/ha when sown alone. A rate of 2.5 kg/ha gives about 240 viable seeds/m2. Cocksfoot is best sown in autumn. Early growth is slow, although it is generally more vigorous than phalaris and tall fescue.
Distribution Map:
Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) Distribution in North America shown in green.
Livestock disorders:
Cocksfoot does not contain any substances harmful to animals.
Management:
Close up of Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) Weed.
When cocksfoot seedlings are suf?ciently anchored in the ground (six to eight months after sowing) they can be lightly grazed to promote tillering and stimulate crown formation. Cattle are preferred for this task but if only sheep are available, graze for short durations to prevent defoliation of young plants. Rotationally graze to maintain a height of about 5-7 cm (about 1500-2000 kg DM/ha). If plants are stressed, then graze lightly or delay grazing until after ?owering. Cocksfoot can persist well with proper management, particularly under cattle. Established swards are best managed with rotational grazing however they can tolerate set-stocking during winter and spring. The best grazing management is one that prevents overgrazing and minimises grass content in summer and autumn to maintain vigorous growth and a good legume density. The pasture should be maintained at about 1000-2500 kg DM/ha, i.e. around 3-8 cm in height. Cocksfoot stands can thin out quickly under sheep if not carefully managed, particularly during hot dry summers. However, if grazing is controlled cocksfoot can persist. Avoid heavy close grazing that damages the crown of the plant or lax grazing that produces tall, rank growth of low digestibility. Cocksfoot responds to increasing soil fertility. New sowings require fertiliser to promote early root development and enhance seedling vigour. Mature stands should have major de?ciencies corrected on the basis of soil tests. Cocksfoot, like all grasses, responds to nitrogen either via a companion legume or fertiliser application. It makes good quality hay or silage.
Sourced From: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/past/cocksfoot.pdf
