Nandu Brome Grass

Bromus stamineus - SKU:

A very productive, South American-bred perennial grass with strong autumn and winter growth.

Persistent dryland species
Tolerant of set stocking and horses
Dense fine tillers
Tolerates Argentine stem weevil

Plant Characteristics

A prolific seeder that recruits new plants strongly
Densely tufted with relatively fine leaves
Excellent early vigour and a prostrate growth habit
High levels of digestibility and ME

Maturity

Nandu is a valuable winter feed producer.

Area of Adaption

Grows best in areas of more than 600mm annual rainfall
Some summer rainfall will significantly improve persistence

Soil Type

Nandu is suited to a variety of soils from light to heavy texture, but prefers well drained soil types. To maximise stand productivity, soil testing is advisable. Analyse soil and neutralise deficiencies with fertiliser and/or lime. The ideal soil pH for grazing bromes is 4.8-7.0 (CaCl2).

Fertility

Nandu requires good base rates of phosphorus for maximum DM production especially during the establishment phase. DM production is directly related to nitrogen availability so topdress Nandu with urea when it is established to increase bulk of feed. Consult your Upper Murray Seeds agronomist or fertiliser advisor for nitrogen application rates.

Sowing Guidelines

Nandu should be sown no deeper than 25mm. Sow at 15kg/ha alone or at 3-8kg/ha when a component of a pasture blend. Avoid sowing with slow establishing species, such as phalaris or fescue, because grazing brome may compete too heavily. Nandu is suitable for oversowing into an established stand or direct drilling, due to its competitive nature and large seed.

Disease and Pest Management

Nandu has good Argentine weevil tolerance from the seedling stage right through to maturity. During emergence it is essential to monitor regularly for damage from insects and spray as required. Inspect during early stand life for populations of black-headed cockchafer and slugs. Contact your Upper Murray Seeds agronomist for spray application rates.

Maturity: Late
Rainfall: 600mm
Ph: 5 - 5
Sow Rate: 3 - 3kg/ha
Soils: 2

Uses

Weed Control

Always use knockdown herbicide to ensure you are sowing into a clean seedbed. Monitor for post-emergent weeds and spray as required. Use options such as spray-grazing for broadleaf weeds once the stand is established.

Grazing

Do not graze Nandu until the plant is well anchored and root depth is established. Carry out a quick in-paddock ‘grab test’ by hand to ensure stock cannot pull plants out of the ground. Nandu ideally requires rotational grazing but will cope with set stocking if necessary. It should be allowed to set seed to optimise new plant recruitment and improve persistence.

Feed Quality

Brome grass is highly palatable, providing valuable autumn and winter feed with high levels of ME and protein.

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DISCLAIMER: All information provided is intended as a guide only. Bell aPasture Seeds has taken all due care to ensure the included information is accurate and use of this information is at the user’s sole discretion and risk. Varying environmental conditions may alter the performance of products and plants.

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