Leymus chinensis, commonly known as Chinese feather grass, is a valuable perennial forage species widely cultivated in the dry grasslands of northeastern, northern, and northwestern China. It exhibits strong resistance to cold, drought, trampling, poor soil conditions, and saline-alkali environments, making it highly adaptable and ideal for pasture development. With a yield ranging from 150 to 300 kg per hectare (667 square meters), and up to 500 kg under optimal conditions, this grass is an essential feed source for cattle, sheep, and horses. Its high nutritional value, good palatability, and versatility—allowing for grazing, haymaking, or silage—make it a top-quality feed. In fact, quality hay from Leymus chinensis is one of China's major agricultural exports.
Soil selection for Leymus chinensis is relatively flexible, as it can tolerate pH levels between 5.5 and 9.4 and thrive in infertile or degraded soils. However, it performs best in well-drained, loose, and fertile chernozem soils that are moist and well-ventilated. While it can be planted in low-lying areas, proper soil preparation is crucial for successful establishment.
Seeds of Leymus chinensis are small and have a low germination rate, making seedling emergence challenging. Therefore, thorough soil preparation is necessary before sowing—ensuring the soil is fine, level, and free of debris. For best results, sowing should take place in the fall of the previous year to allow for better decomposition and soil conditioning. The ideal planting depth is around 20 cm, with special attention given to saline-alkali soils, where shallow topsoil or deep loosening is recommended to promote healthy seedlings.
Weed control is critical during the early growth stages, as young Leymus chinensis plants are weak and vulnerable to competition. If weeds are not properly managed before sowing, the survival rate of the grass can be significantly reduced. Manual weeding or chemical herbicides can be used, with pre-sowing weed removal being the most effective strategy.
Seed treatment is also important, as the seeds often contain impurities such as stalks and other foreign materials. Cleaning the seeds before sowing improves their quality and germination rate, ensuring better seedling establishment.
Sowing time should be chosen carefully, as Leymus chinensis requires warmth and moisture for germination. In Heilongjiang Province, sowing should occur before the summer rains, typically no later than late July, to ensure seedlings survive the winter. The recommended seeding rate is 45–60 kg per hectare. Too little seeding leads to poor coverage and increased weed pressure, while too much can result in weak, spindly plants that struggle to develop properly.
The sowing method involves drilling seeds at intervals of 15–30 cm, using a planter that allows the seeds to fall naturally on the surface. Care must be taken to keep the seed tube clear to avoid clogging. Due to its aggressive growth, Leymus chinensis should be sown alone and not mixed with legumes or other grasses.
After sowing, the seeds should be lightly pressed into the soil, typically 2–4 cm deep, and then rolled once or twice to improve seed-to-soil contact and enhance germination.
Field management is essential for long-term success. During the first growing season, careful weed control is necessary, as the young plants are fragile and compete poorly with weeds. Both manual and chemical methods can be used effectively. Fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, has been shown to significantly boost yield. Studies from the Heilongjiang Provincial Institute of Animal Husbandry indicate that applying ammonium nitrate can increase hay production by up to 30 kg per kilogram of nitrogen. Irrigation, especially in degraded pastures, can further enhance productivity by up to 43.7%.
Over time, Leymus chinensis forms dense, rhizomatous turf that can become compacted and reduce soil aeration. To maintain productivity, periodic soil improvement measures such as tilling, deep loosening, and renewal practices are recommended. These help maintain a healthy root system, improve soil structure, and ensure long-term sustainability of the pasture.
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