Growing tall fescue

Tall fescue is a species with a relatively high water requirement, but does particularly well with irrigation, since it is a very important species used in fodder flow programmes. It has the ability to grow in dryland conditions in relatively wet areas such as wetlands.

Tall fescue or lang swenkgras (Festuca arundinacea) is a very common temperate species with the well-known characteristic of remaining green throughout winter. This species has often been used to ensure green forage is available in the summer rainfall regions throughout autumn, winter and early spring.

This species unfortunately has the requirement of supplementary irrigation to ensure optimal growth, say Dr Wayne Truter et al in their article on tall fescue for Grain SA.

Tall fescue grows to a height of 1 200mm, and has a typical dark green colour.

Research indicates this species has been planted in South Africa since 1909. Some of the important cultivars include Amelie, Demeter, Dovey, Feugo, Emeraude, Jenna, Panatex and AU Triumph.

“Since this species has a long growing season and delivers the highest dry matter production during the autumn and spring, it is also important to note that tall fescue’s production will decline, especially in summer when day temperatures are high, and in winter when day temperatures are extremely low,” say Truter et al.

Ttall fescue is well adapted to heavy clay soils and can survive periods of water-logged conditions. Do not plant in well-drained highland soils, hot northern slopes or light sandy soils. If you need to plant his species in the warmer areas of the country, it must be planted in the cooler parts of the landscape, especially on southern slopes.

“There is, however, evidence that tall fescue can perform well in the warmer areas of the country only if water is not limiting,” say Truter et al.

“Therefore sufficient water is of utmost importance to ensure survival and optimal production.”