Recommended Mixtures for Eastern States
Different objectives call for different species and/or planting rates. This is not to say that native grass stands are only good for a single resource. All are more beneficial than cool-season exotics for a variety of objectives, but these recommendations are for those who wish to optimize their successes. All rates are in PLS weights per acre.
Pasture Mix (Flash Grazing System)
2.0 lbs. Switchgrass - Blackwell variety
2.5 lbs. Big Bluestem
2.5 lbs. Indiangrass
1.0 lb. Little bluestem
1.0 lb. Sideoats Grama
Hay Mix (Mid/Late Summer Cutting, July/Aug)
-4.0 lbs. Big Bluestem
-3.0 lbs. Indiangrass
-2.0 lbs. Little Bluestem
Hay/Biomass (Early Summer Cutting, May/June)*
6-10 lbs. Switchgrass - multiple varieties
OR
5-8 lbs. Eastern Gamagrass
* = Not recommended for wildlife in large plantings because haying will occur during peak nesting.
Clearcut Conversion to Grassland for Wildlife
Strongly recommend burning site prior to planting.
1.0 lb. Indiangrass
1.0 lb. Little bluestem
0.5 lb. Sideoats Grama
0.5 lb. Big Bluestem
0.5 lb. Partridge Pea