Warm Season Grass Identification and Management

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Warm Season Grass Identification and Management

• Objectives of lecture
• Identify warm season grasses
• Uses of WSG
• Site preparation
• Establishment
• Drill Calibration

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Little Bluestem
Fluffy Seedhead
Flat Blades at Base
Seedling
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Indian Grass
Feathery Plume Seedhead
Gun Sight Prominent, Claw-like Ligule
Hairy Stem Only
Seedling
No Hairs on Leaf
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Big Bluestem
Turkey Foot Seedhead
Leaf Hairs
Indian Grass
Big Bluestem
Seedlings
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BIG BLUESTEM "King" of native Grasses
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Big Bluestem Seedling Mature Plant
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Switchgrass
Witches Broom Seedhead
Hairs at Ligule
Smooth, Hairless Stem
Seedling
Nodule at Base
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Switchgrass stems are erect, 2 to 10 feet tall,
unbranched and hollow with leaves having a ligule
of dense hair and a triangular patch of fine
hairs at their base.
Plants develop a strong, slowly spreading root
system with roots more than six feet deep
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Switchgrass plant approximately 12 feet long
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Switchgrass Distribution
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Planting Objectives for Warm Season Grasses
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Objectives

• Stabilize erosive soils
• Grazing
• Aesthetics
• Wildlife
• Water quality

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Wildlife Habitat
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Winter Cover
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ID Specific Objectives

• For example Wildlife is the objective
• Nesting
• Winter Cover
• Bluebirds or waterfowl
• Brood rearing

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Evaluation

• Evaluation is based on objectives
• Winter cover - thick, non-lodging (switchgrass)
• Nesting - diverse in density and height
• Brood rearing - diverse for insects

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SITE PREPARATION
One of the most important steps in establishment
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SITE ANALYSIS
Soil Testing
Inventory Desired plants Noxious Weeds
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AREAS FOR PLANTING
Fallow Fields
Crop Land
Grass Land
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Frost Seeding Switchgrass
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CROP LAND
Test for Atrazine residue
Weeds are less of a concern
Requires less preparation
Cultivation Once all vegetation is
removed, compact soil. If rhizomatous
perennial weeds are present prepare as in Old
Fields.
Herbicide Spray in mid-spring for a spring
planting after crop removal for a fall, dormant
planting
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Properly prepared Seedbed
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Drilling into a prepared seedbed
Planting into a herbicide-killed sod using a
no-till drill
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HERBICIDES
Glyphosates (Roundup/Rodeo) Affects all green
leafy plants
Imidazolinone (Plateau) Acts as a pre/post seed
inhibitor and affects selected
emergent plant material
Fluazifop-P-Butyl (Fuzelade II) Affects actively
growing grasses or germinating seeds
Atrazine - Controls broadleaves and cool season
grasses
2,4,-D - Excellent control of most broadleaves
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HERBICIDE APPLICATION
Always follow manufactures label instructions
Use best herbicide for weed control
Remove previous years growth to improve
herbicide effectiveness
Apply as often as needed to control weeds
Timing is critical
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TRUAX NO-TILL GRASS DRILL
Food Plot
Small Seed
Fluffy Seed
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Food Plot Box
Calibration Arm
Box with Auger
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Gear Assembly
Gearbox Cover
Assorted Sprockets Chain
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Seed Drop Tubes
Transition Housings with Drop Hoses Disconnected
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Coulters - Planting Wheels - Press Wheels
Planting Wheels
Press Wheels
Coulters
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SeededMay05 PhotoSeptember05
Big Bluestem
Switchgrass
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Switchgrass Established on Hunting Preserve
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Production and Management
BURNING
Before any prescribed burning occurs, a plan
must be written with necessary permits obtained
Should be conducted by individuals who are
experienced and trained in fire use
Timing is critical
Check weather conditions
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Thank You

• Discussion