Lakota Prairie Bromegrass

Very palatable

Tough & resilient

Superior growth all year

Exceptionally drought tolerant

Description

Lakota prairie brome was developed by researchers from the U.S. and New Zealand. It was produced by specifically selecting Matua-type plants that exhibited better winter tolerance and resistance to powdery mildew and is especially adapted to the Northern USA..

Lakota is now outperforming many other species and varieties in trials throughout the Northern half of the U.S. Trial results from Wisconsin and Illinois show Lakota's impressive performance when planted in the spring. Research shows top performances in Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virgina..

Other Info

Applications
- Beef, dairy, and other livestock forage systems to be utilized as pasture, MIG (managed intensive grazing), green chop, haylege, silage, or dry hay.
- Facilities needing to dispose of excess nitrogen including confinement dairies, hog and chicken farms, fruit processing plants, sewage/water treatment facilities, and factories. Prairie bromes can uptake as much as 600 units of nitrogen per acre per year.

Seeding Rates
In well-prepared seedbeds drill 25-30#/acre, and for broadcasting sow 40-50#/acre. No-till rates should be sown at 35-40#/acre.

Method of Seeding
Seeding depth must not exceed 1/4" deep. Spring plantings should be completed by early-mid May. Summer plantings should be completed by early September in Northern areas to assure better winter survivability. For the South, the fall seems to be the best time to plant Lakota.

Management
For maximum persistence Lakota must be allowed to reseed itself in late summer. Like all bromes, Lakota has limited tolerance to set stocking. It is best suited to controlled grazing systems as well as hay and silage production. If grazing, it is best to leave at least 4 inches of stubble.

Longer pasture life can be attained if grown on well-drained, medium-high fertility soils with a pH 6.0-7.0. Generally, soils that support alfalfa stands are good for prairie bromegrass. Prairie bromegrass requires high levels of nitrogen fertilizer for top production. Applications of 30-50# N/acre after each harvest will help provide for maximum production. Use of ladino clover is an excellent source for free nitrogen and easily fits with both organic and non-organic farming practices. (Note: prairie bromes are not known to survive harsh open winters. The possibility of stand loss due to winterkill is greater for regions that typically have long periods of below freezing temperatures without snow cover. Better survival seems to be possible if stubble is cut or grazed down to less than 2" before entering winter.)