Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) is a warm-season perennial grass with high forage mass production potential and nutritive value and is tolerant to poorly drained sandy soils. Under ideal conditions, it can produce 8 to 10 tons of dry matter per acre. Limpograss can be managed under grazing, or for conserved purposes (hay or baleage production). It maintains its nutritional value as it matures which makes it a good option for stockpiling to extend the grazing season. Several varieties of limpograss are available, but the most used variety is Floralta, a tetraploid variety. Tetraploid varieties are used due to their high persistence under grazing conditions, increased winter vigor, high yield, and increased digestibility.
Establishment of limpograss pastures
For establishment, a leveled, firm, residue and weed-free seedbed is desired and can be achieved by using a non-selective herbicide. 2-4-D can be sprayed up to 10 days before planting depending on environmental conditions but, limpograss is susceptible to damage from 2-4-D after planting. Keep this in mind when deciding which herbicides to use. Repeated disking or tilling can help reduce weed pressure. Conduct a soil test to determine amendment needs and obtain the fertilization recommendation for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Lime should be applied two to six months before planting if soil pH is below 5.5.
Limpograss is propagated vegetatively using stems. Generally, the material is baled either as rectangular or round bales for transportation and it should be planted as soon as possible to reduce issues that can compromise its quality and germination. The planting rate is between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds of planting material per acre. A higher rate of material may be needed if it is being planted on previously cultivated pasture or area with weed encroachment. The recommendation is to establish limpograss during the rainy season on dryland. Once sprigging is completed light disking and rolling is necessary to ensure good stem-soil contact. After the limpograss has begun to emerge nitrogen can be applied at 30 lb./a. 70 more pounds of nitrogen can be applied 30-50 days after the first application. Consult your local Extension agent for help.
Harvest management and animal performance
Limpograss pastures can be grazed 60 to 80 days after the rest period to a stubble height of 10-12 inches or higher if rotational grazing is taking place. If not grazed, limpograss pastures can be green chopped meaning the grass is mowed, carried, and fed fresh to the animals, although it does require more labor and equipment inputs.
The nutritional value of Limpograss lasts as it matures and it has higher digestibility than most other warm-season grasses although it does have a low concentration of crude protein, nitrogen fertilization can help increase crude protein concentration. Nevertheless, animals can be supplemented with a protein source such as cottonseed meal. The supplemented protein needs increase as more stems and fewer leaves are available for grazing.
Average daily gains of animals grazing stockpiled limpograss were shown to increase up to 1.4 pounds per day. Body condition score can also improve on an average of 1 unit when limpograss pastures are being grazed in the summer. Although, animal body condition can decline if animals are not supplemented when nutritional needs increase.
Stockpiling management practices for limpograss pastures
Stockpiling is a method in which standing forage is allowed to accumulate for grazing at a later period. Pasture accumulation usually begins in the late summer or early fall and forage is grazed in the winter.
Pastures being used to stockpile must be either grazed or mowed prior to the stockpiling period. It is important to allow between 60 and 80 days before winter grazing to provide adequate growth of limpograss. It is recommended to supply nitrogen and potassium before the stockpiling period this will support the forage growth and nutritive value. After the accumulation period, forage can either be grazed or green chopped. Strip grazing can help ensure the highest utilization of stockpiled pastures and decrease the amount of loss from trampling and waste.
Conclusions
Winter feed costs are one of the largest expenses in livestock production, therefore extending the grazing period by using stockpiled limpograss is a viable option to reduce costs of purchasing supplemental feed. The Natural Resource Conservation (NRCS) states that for each week the grazing season is extended, feed costs decrease by one percent. Stockpiling can extend the grazing period for up to eight weeks, offsetting costs.
Overall, limpograss is a great option for stockpiling and can be an asset to livestock producers in the southeast because of its adaptability and its capacity to extend the grazing season. The increased digestibility and nutritive value make limpograss a premier stockpiling forage choice and can help decrease feed costs and reduce the amount of stored feed needed in the winter.
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