Phalaris Seeds

Phalaris is a deep-rooted, vigorous perennial that is best suited to heavier soils, but will produce well on a range of soil types. Early released varieties were most suited
to neutral and alkaline soils, although newer varieties have been developed to produce well in more acidic conditions. 
Phalaris has some tolerance to salinity and is very tolerant of periods of waterlogging. It is relatively resistant to cockchafers and corbie grubs.

Establishing a perennial pasture based on phalaris will improve farm productivity compared to systems relying on annual grasses. Nitrogen produced by pasture
legumes, usually grown with annual grasses, leaches down though the soil profile, taking nutrients with it, leaving acidic elements behind. The deep-rooted perennial nature of phalaris draws these nutrients back up to help prevent or slow down the onset of acidification. Another major benefit of the deep-root system of phalaris is it improves persistence and productivity under drought conditions.

There are two main groups:

Phalaris has a small seed, reflected in the low sowing rate:
• 3 – 6 kg/ha (as only/main grass)
• 2 – 3 kg/ha (mixes with other grasses)

Typical Companion Species

Sub-clover, white clover, strawberry clover, cocksfoot, fescue (and ryegrass if well proportioned and executed).

Phalaris Establishment and Management

Grazing of a newly sown pasture should be avoided until plants have become established. Grazing prior to effective establishment can cause plants to be pulled
out reducing the population and pasture performance.

Once established, phalaris will tolerate periods of set-stocking, although more erect varieties will benefit from good rotational grazing systems. Many older phalaris varieties have high levels of alkaloids which can cause phalaris toxicity (phalaris staggers). New varieties contain lower alkaloid levels in the leaves and therefore
provide a safer grazing alternative. However, in areas prone to phalaris toxicity plants should be grazed cautiously in the autumn and early winter.

Phalaris can be grown with other legume or grass species to help reduce the risk of illness in livestock.
Phalaris toxicity can affect sheep that are grazing on fresh growth after breaking rains. Stock are at the greatest risk when grazing on short, frosted plants, which mainly occurs during the autumn or the early winter period. 
To counter the potential problem, cobalt bullets can be orally administered or by ensuring stock are not hungry when introduced to lush, green feed.
The greatest risk to animals is when they are able to ingest a high level of herbage in a short period of time.
Toxicity levels in the plant increases if plants are subject to stresses such as drought and frost.

Once stands are established it is recommended that the following be observed to maximise the benefits and persistence:

• Lime acid surface soils if CaCl₂ if needed/plausible, or use Advanced AT
• Apply superphosphate if Olsen P is 12 – 15ppm or less. Phalaris will respond well to higher P levels
• Graze winter active cultivars rotationally with 4 – 6 week spells in autumn-winter
• Do not graze too hard or too often after stem growth starts in spring, especially in a dry year
• Allow to produce seed heads in the first year, and at intervals in future years
• Flowering allows basal buds to be set for future growth
• Clean up stem residues in summer to increase clover germination and growth
• Set stock after late spring to utilise feed and open the sward for clover growth
• Avoid heavy grazing of new stems from summer regrowth.