The productivity of orchardgrass is evaluated by the yield of green mass and dry matter under conditions of 2–3 cuts per season. This indicator critically depends on regrowth capacity, winter hardiness, and moisture availability.
In the reference
74
varieties
crop Cocksfoot,
where this is mentioned in the description.
Crop productivity is assessed in field trials by measuring green mass yield and dry matter yield in t/ha. To determine nutritional value, crude protein yield is additionally calculated. Typical hay yield under a two-cut system is 50–70 c/ha, while under intensive conditions, values reach 100 c/ha of hay or 5.8–6.2 t/ha of dry matter per single cut. In regions with unstable moisture, the green mass yield of promising accessions reaches 200–237 c/ha over two cuts.
Maximum forage productivity is achieved when harvesting at the heading stage, as later development leads to a decline in quality. The high regrowth capacity of orchardgrass allows for yield potential to be realized through multiple cuts; however, the realization of this potential is limited by the variety's winter hardiness and nitrogen nutrition level. Under arid conditions, irrigation is necessary to maintain productivity, as moisture deficit leads to a sharp decrease in biomass volume.
General information about the subject — on the page
Productivity.
Varieties of Cocksfoot mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.