Bluegrass for Sale - Cover Crop Exchange

Bluegrass (primarily Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis) is a perennial, cool‑season, sod‑forming grass with rhizomes that creates a dense, durable groundcover. Growers choose it where a long‑lived, traffic‑tolerant “living mulch” or pasture‑phase cover is desired to protect soil year‑round in orchards, vineyards, alleyways, field borders, waterways, and mixed pastures. University of Kentucky Forage Extension, Utah State University Extension

Benefits of Bluegrass as a Cover Crop

Erosion Control: Perennial sod and residue cover are among the most effective tools for reducing soil loss; USDA‑ARS reports that maintaining just 30% residue cover on the surface can reduce soil loss by roughly 62% (wheat residue) to 97% (corn residue) compared with bare soil. Stiff grass hedges have reduced storm‑driven soil loss by 80–90%, illustrating the high erosion‑control potential of dense grass covers like bluegrass on slopes. USDA‑ARS, USDA‑ARS

Weed Suppression: Bluegrass forms a tight, persistent sod that resists invasion. Keeping a vigorous sod minimizes openings for weeds, and rotations that include a sod phase can deplete annual weed seedbanks over time. University of Kentucky Forage Extension, MU Extension – The Bluegrasses

Soil Structure Improvement: The fibrous, rhizomatous root system and persistent living cover enhance aggregation and tilth; maximum root development occurs 1–2 years after establishment, and grass covers contribute both above‑ and below‑ground biomass that builds soil organic matter. University of Maine Extension, SARE – Building Soils for Better Crops, Ch. 10

Water Management: Perennial grass covers improve infiltration and water‑holding through dense root networks and residue, reducing runoff and helping buffer wet/dry swings in the soil profile. SARE – Building Soils for Better Crops, Ch. 10

Disease/Pest Break: A low‑growing grass living mulch reduces soil splash onto foliage, which can help limit splash‑dispersed foliar diseases in vegetables and small fruits when used in alleys or between rows. SARE – Annual Ryegrass (principles applicable to sod‑forming grass covers)

Nitrogen Management: As a non‑legume, bluegrass is an effective N scavenger. Under seed‑production systems in the Pacific Northwest, Kentucky bluegrass has taken up about 120–160 lb N/acre during spring growth—evidence of strong capacity to capture residual N and reduce leaching risk. Oregon State University Extension, EM 9029 (reviewed 2024), SARE – Building Soils for Better Crops, Ch. 10

Biomass Production: As forage/pasture, typical dry‑matter production is about 1–3 tons/acre annually in suitable environments; in intensively managed seed fields, total above‑ground biomass from spring growth can reach 3–5 tons/acre. University of Kentucky Forage Extension, Oregon State University Extension, EM 9029

Planting and Management Advice

Seeding Rate (include drill and broadcast):

Pure stands: 8–10 lb/acre when drilled; 10–15 lb/acre when broadcast (use the higher end for rough seedbeds or fast cover). MU Extension – Seeding Rates, Dates and Depths for Common Missouri Forages (G4652)

For pasture/hay in KY: 10–15 lb/acre (method not specified). University of Kentucky Forage Extension

Seeding Depth:

Aim for shallow placement: 1/8–1/4 inch is ideal; up to 1/2 inch on coarse soils if needed for moisture/coverage. MU Extension – G4652, University of Kentucky Forage Extension

Soil Type and pH:

Best on deep to moderately deep, well‑drained loams and clay loams; frequently found on wet/heavy soils but avoid saline‑alkaline sites. Performs best with pH ≥6, and tolerates about pH 5.5–8.5. Utah State University Extension, University of Maine Extension, Oregon State University Extension, EM 9029

Planting Time (seasonal windows by region):

Transition Zone (e.g., Kentucky/Tennessee): Fall seeding is preferred—Aug 15 to Oct 1; secondary window Feb 1 to Apr 15. University of Kentucky Forage Extension

Midwest (Missouri): Central MO guide lists frost‑seeding/broadcast in Jan–Feb for pure stands; adjust dates earlier (north) or later (south) within the state. Fall seeding before about Oct 15 is also recommended where conditions allow. MU Extension – G4652, MU Extension – The Bluegrasses

Pacific Northwest (irrigated Eastern OR seed/cover situations): Late summer (Aug–Sep) in Central OR and Columbia Basin; spring (late Apr–late May) in the Grande Ronde Valley. Oregon State University Extension, EM 9029

Northeast/Upper Midwest (general cool‑season guidance): Cool‑season grasses establish best in late summer/early fall; early spring seedings can work but are more prone to summer drought and weed pressure. University of Kentucky – Cool‑season Forage Grasses overview PDF

Termination (methods and timing):

Chemical: For full‑field termination before annual crops, a non‑selective systemic herbicide is commonly used. Cornell guidance recommends fall applications for perennial grasses (e.g., Oct 1–Nov 15 in NY) when stands are actively growing prior to spring planting; spring burndown programs also target established sods prior to no‑till planting. Always follow label directions and local regulations. Cornell CALS – Weed Control in Forages, Cornell CALS – Burndown for Zone/No‑Till Corn

Mechanical/Organic: Invert or thoroughly till sod to terminate; for organic systems, tarping for 3–4+ weeks (6+ weeks for sod) can effectively kill the cover before planting. Mowing alone suppresses but rarely kills established sod. Cornell CALS – Managing Weeds Before Planting, SARE – Annual Ryegrass (notes on mowing/termination limits)

In perennial systems (orchards/vineyards), manage as a living mulch with mowing or strip‑spraying (under‑row) rather than full termination.

Rotational Considerations:

Bluegrass is a grass (high C:N when mature). Like other grasses, if allowed to grow to maturity it can temporarily tie up nitrogen as residues decompose. Kill earlier or plan supplemental N for the following cash crop, or include a legume in the mix to balance C:N. Also suppress or terminate the sod well ahead of small‑seeded or slow‑emerging crops to minimize competition. SARE – Building Soils for Better Crops, Ch. 10, SARE – Managing Cover Crops in Conservation Tillage Systems

Water Requirements and Drought Tolerance:

Bluegrass is less drought‑tolerant than many other cool‑season grasses (e.g., tall fescue, orchardgrass); it often becomes semi‑dormant in hot, dry summers. Favor sites with reliable moisture or irrigation if summer performance is required. Utah State University Extension, University of Kentucky Forage Extension

Notes for success:

Establishment is slower than quick annual covers; use for long‑term covers, waterways, alleyways, or as a pasture‑phase in rotations.

For nutrient scavenging, vigorous spring growth is key; OSU work in irrigated seed fields documented 120–160 lb N/acre uptake in spring—evidence of strong N capture potential. Oregon State University Extension, EM 9029

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Bluegrass

Kentucky (Forage)

Common (Unbranded)