Benchmark Plus Orchardgrass
- Superior Forage Yield
- Ideal for Pastures or Hay
- Early Maturity
- Great Palatability
- Selected for Persistence Under Heavy Grazing
- Excellent Plant Vigor
- Drought Tolerant
- Stem Rust Resistance
- Maximum Persistence for Haying or Grazing
- Minimum order quantity of 20 pounds
Min. to Max. Annual Precipitation
44in.
Average Max. Height
Benchmark Plus Orchardgrass is an early maturing grass that is drought tolerant with great palatability. It has a superior forage yield that is ideal for pasture or haying, and is selected for persistence under heavy grazing. Rotational grazing is preferred for best quality production. First cutting in spring should be done before head emergence (Boot Stage).
Benchmark Plus Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is a high performance forage orchargrass that offers maximum persistence under grazing pressure. It is also an excellent choice for inclusion in a forage grass mixture.
Nitrogen should be applied in split applications during early Spring & Fall and after 1st cutting. Adequate phosphorus and potassium are also necessary for top production. First cutting in Spring should be done before head emergence (Boot Stage). Later cuttings can be made at 4-6 week intervals depending on conditions.
Rotational grazing is preferred for best production, persistence and quality. Fields should be grazed heavily and frequently (every 10-12 days) during the rapid Spring growth period but overgrazing should be avoided. Leave a 3-4 inch stubble for quick recovery.
- Superior Forage Yield
- Ideal for Pastures or Hay
- Early Maturity
- Great Palatability
- Selected for Persistence Under Heavy Grazing
- Excellent Plant Vigor
- Drought Tolerant
- Stem Rust Resistance
- Maximum Persistence for Haying or Grazing
| PLANTING SUGGESTIONS for Benchmark Plus Orchardgrass | |
| Planting Rate (pure stand) | 15-20 lbs/acre |
| Planting Rate (mixture) | 4-6 lbs/acre |
| Planting Depth | 1/4-1/2 inch deep |
| Seeding (Spring) | March 1st to May 15th |
| Seeding (Summer) | August 1st to September 15th |
| Soil Type | Moderate to Well Drained |
| Minimum Soil pH | 5.5 |
| ORCHARD YIELD COMPARISONS | ||
| Summarized over Years and Locations (Total Tons Dry Matter / Acre) | ||
| Entry | Loc./Yrs. | %Mean |
| Benchmark Plus | 17 | 100.1 |
| Potomac | 17 | 97.1 |
| Pennlate | 17 | 96.9 |
| Progress | 10 | 96.6 |
| Duke | 15 | 95.2 |
| Variety | Maturity | Notes: |
|---|---|---|
| Paiute | Early | Drought tolerant. Common in dryland pastures, reclamation, erosion control. |
| Hallmark | Early | High Yielding |
| Benchmark Plus | Early | Persists under heavy use, superior forage. Superior for grazing. |
| Potomac | Early-Mid | Excellent early variety. |
| Quickdraw | Early-Mid | Fast recover after cutting. Tolerates heat. |
| Extend | Mid | Ideal for alfalfa & clover mixes. Superior yield. |
| Blizzard | Mid-Late | Superior winter survival. Widely adapted, excellent forage yield. |
| Crown Royal | Late | Fast recovery after cutting, tolerates heat. |
| Latar | Late | No longer available. See Extend, Haymaster, Quickdraw |
| Haymaster | Late | Ideal for Alfalfa and Clover Mixes. Highly palatable, fast recovery. |
| Pawnee Orchardgrass | Medium | Widely adapted, drought and grazing tolerant. |
Benchmark Plus Orchardgrass, Dactylis glomerata