Choosing the correct grass species for a grassland reseed

Learn more about selecting the correct grass species for your situation when reseeding and discover the differences between diploids and tetraploids.

How do species differ?

Currently, most reseeds are a mixture of diploid and tetraploid perennial ryegrasses. However, other types of ryegrass and species such as clover, cocksfoot and timothy may have a role to play in certain situations.

Each type of grass has different growth and quality characteristics. When reseeding, it is important to select the most appropriate species for the situation.

Diploids vs tetraploids

Tetraploids have twice the number of chromosomes than diploid varieties, increasing the size of the plant’s cells. They have larger seeds and leaves and tend to establish quickly. They are also more able to compete when overseeding pastures. Tetraploids have a more upright growth habit and are suited to drier growing conditions.

Diploids are more persistent and tiller more freely, producing denser swards than tetraploids. They are generally better suited to wetter growing conditions.

Summary of the typical performance of different grass species

	Perennial ryegrass		Italian ryegrass		Hybrid ryegrass	Timothy	Cocksfoot
	Diploid	Tetraploid	Diploid	Tetraploid	Hybrid ryegrass	Timothy	Cocksfoot
Grazing DM yield (t/ha)	10.5	10.5	-	-	-	11.4	-
Grazing D-value	75.9	76.3	-	-	-	72.1	-
Silage DM yield (t/ha)	15.2	15.5	18.1	18.2	16.3	13.8	15.3
Silage D-value	73.4	73.7	70.8	71.8	70.7	64.3	70.5
Ground cover (1=poor, 9=good)	6.6	5.8	3.8	6	4.2	5.3	6.3
Winter hardiness (1=poor, 9=good)	6.5	6.7	6.8	7	7.1	7.0	5.5
Suitable for	Five to six-year leys Grazing Silage		Two-year leys Silage		Three-to-four-year leys Silage Rotational cattle grazing	Wetter soil Extensive grazing	Dry soils Silage

Grass identification

The below information will help you learn how to identify grass species. Find information, diagrams and images to help.

Grass identification

Clover species

From management of clover to the differences in leaf size, our resources will help you to utilise clover in a grassland reseed.

Clover species

Three key steps to selecting varieties

Find out why choosing the most appropriate traits for your farm is an important part of grassland reseed. Find out why the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists are so important.

Selecting varieties