Intermediate •
Semi-prostrate
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Dual purpose, suitable for both cutting and grazing
Often used in long term leys
Late •
Prostrate type Mainly used for grazing Gives good ground cover
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Can be useful in conservation with its high yields
Diploid or Tetraploid Ryegrass Tetraploids have twice the number of chromosomes, so are a slightly larger seed compared to diploid types and require a more robust sowing rate. A bigger plant with deeper roots makes it more drought tolerant but offers similar DM yields to diploids. They are quick to establish and more competitive, making them ideal for overseeding situations. Tetraploids are more palatable than diploids, with an increased amount of sugars, leading to higher voluntary intakes. This makes tetraploids more suited to cutting leys where the contribute to yield. Diploid plants tend to tiller more, giving more ground cover and persistency, and more suited to grazing. Timothy Slower to establish than ryegrasses, but a valuable species to include in mixes. A highly palatable species, Timothy also provides mid-season growth when the ryegrasses are slow. It is also cold tolerant and will do well in wet conditions. It can also do well on the lighter soils, with less chance of burning up in the dry conditions.
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