Leymus chinensis is a high-quality, perennial grass widely cultivated in the dry grasslands of northeastern, northern, and northwestern China. Known for its strong cold, drought, trampling, and salt-alkali tolerance, it thrives in a variety of challenging environments. With a yield of 150–300 kg per hectare (667 square meters) and up to 500 kg under optimal conditions, it's an essential forage crop. Highly nutritious and palatable, it's ideal for grazing, haymaking, and silage, making it a top choice for cattle, sheep, and horses. High-quality Leymus chinensis hay is also a major export product from China.
Soil selection for Leymus chinensis is relatively flexible, as it can grow in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 9.4. It adapts well to poor or degraded lands but performs best in well-drained, loose, and fertile chernozem soils. While it can tolerate some salinity, it prefers moist, ventilated conditions for optimal growth.
Seed preparation is crucial due to the small size and low germination rate of Leymus chinensis seeds. Before sowing, the soil must be finely tilled and leveled to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Autumn planting is often recommended to allow the soil to break down over winter. For saline-alkali soils, shallow topsoil or deep loosening is necessary to promote better germination.
Weed control is vital during the early growth stage. Seedlings are weak and slow-growing, making them vulnerable to competition. Eliminating weeds before sowing is critical to ensure healthy development and long-term productivity of the grassland.
Seed treatment is also important. The seeds are often mixed with impurities and have low purity, so cleaning is essential to improve germination and seedling survival. Proper seed quality ensures better sowing results and stronger plant establishment.
Sowing time should align with warm and moist conditions. In Heilongjiang Province, it's best to sow before summer rains, no later than late July. Sowing too late risks seedlings not surviving the winter. The recommended seeding rate is 45–60 kg per hectare. Too little seed leads to weed infestation, while too much results in weak plants and wasted resources.
Seeding methods include drilling at 15–30 cm intervals. Seeds should be placed on the surface and lightly pressed to ensure good contact with the soil. Avoid mixing with legumes due to its aggressive growth habit.
Soil depth for sowing should be 2–4 cm, followed by light harrowing to aid germination. Field management includes timely weed control, either manually or with herbicides, especially before or after sowing. Chemical control is most effective when applied pre-emergence.
Fertilization and irrigation significantly boost yields. Nitrogen application, especially with irrigation, improves productivity. Studies show that applying ammonium nitrate increases hay production by up to 30 kg per kilogram of nitrogen. Irrigation on degraded land can increase yield by 43.7%.
For long-term sustainability, regular renewal of Leymus chinensis fields is needed. As a rhizomatous grass, it forms dense turf that can become compacted. Techniques like deep plowing, aeration, and soil loosening help maintain productivity and ensure continued forage quality.
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