Old World Bluestem

Species: Old world bluestem [(Bothriochloa sp.);
(Dicanthium sp.)]
Cultivars: WW Old World (T-587), WW-Iron master,
WW-B Dahl, WW-Spar
Origin: Africa/Asia
Use: Grazing, hay
Description:
General:
Life Span:		 2-4 feet tall, bunchgrass.
Perennial
Adaptation:
pH:
Soil:
Rainfall:		 6.0-8.0 (WW-Iron master adapted to pH 8.0).
Loam, clay-loam.
Lower rainfall areas (20-30 inches).
Management:
Seeding Rate:
Planting Date:

Planting Depth:
Seed Cost:
Season of Use:
Production:
Fertilization:

 2 lb PLS/Acre
April or March in North-Central Texas (usually after wheat grazing).
0.25 inch. Roll or pack seedbed (Tractor tracks).
$20-40/A; $8-10 LB
May-October
5000-8000 lb/A
Apply 60-80 units of nitrogen per cutting.
Notes:
  • Small seeds chaffy, fluffy.
  • WW-Spar adapted more to West Texas.
  • WW-Iron Master adapted to higher pH (pH 8.0).
  • Sorghums and small grain residues may decrease stand percentage.
  • Spray for weed control only when ‘Old World’ is well tillered (six tillers) or when is covered by weed canopy.
  • Stocking rates reported by ranchers of Throckmorton, Tx, (rainfall 25 inches) are 2 heifers/Acre.
  • If not grazed the first year, burning may be needed.
  • Palatability: High in green material.

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