Effective Cutting Heights On Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) and Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and Re-Growth Response.

Recently there has been an interest in the height defoliation on groups of forages and its effect on increased amounts of hay production and sustainability of grass fed animals. Studies have shown that re-growth rates and dry matter content are linked to plant cutting heights and frequency of cutting. This experiment examined two forages Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) and Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in both a field and greenhouse setting. In both settings cutting height and frequency of cutting over a ten week period were evaluated. Data was collected using dry weight matter content and height measurements. The research confirms that cutting height impacts re-growth and volume of the forage.