Key Characteristics of Grasses and Legumes in Pastures
Grasses (Poaceae)
These are the most important species in terms of abundance and biomass in grasslands and pastures worldwide. Most are herbaceous, sun-loving, and relatively nitrophilous (adapted to colonizing bare plots). They possess shallow, fasciculated root systems and provide abundant carbohydrates but lower protein supply, except during early growth.
1. Ryegrass (Genus Lolium)
1.1. Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)
Widely used in Spain as a crop or mixed with legumes. It offers good nutritional value. It is specialized for exploitation.
1.2. Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Easy to establish, persistent, and resistant to trampling. It has good nutritional value for grazing because it does not grow as tall as the Italian ryegrass and typically lives 4–5 years.
2. Fescue (Genus Festuca)
2.1. Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Used for forage, suitable for mowing or grazing. It has a slow establishment.
2.2. Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratensis)
Along with the previous species, it is broadleaf and less difficult to establish, but its nutritional quality is lower.
3. Poas (Genus Poa)
Poa pratensis
It has a high tolerance to frequent grazing and low cutting heights.
Development and Reproduction Cycle
- Stage: The moment of plant development (growth stage, flowering).
- Phase: The time between two stages.
- Period: The time during which the plant performs a specific function (e.g., growth, maturation).
Legumes (Fabaceae)
They are abundant in soils worldwide but less so than grasses. They fix atmospheric nitrogen (N), making them relatively independent of soil nitrogen, thus perfectly complementing grasses by favoring their growth. They provide protein to cattle. They respond well to PK fertilizer additions. The ideal time to harvest is the beginning of flowering. They can be frequently utilized for grazing or hay, but it is difficult to make silage. They are more difficult to capture light than erect grasses.
1. White Clover (Trifolium repens)
Dominates in summer pastures in Northern Spain. Excess nitrogen fertilizer and large cutting intervals harm it. It is creeping.
2. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Produces more than white clover above 1800m in summer. It is better for mowing than white clover. It is erect.
3. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
It is erect. It supports drought and is optimal in medium-altitude arid climates, but it does not support waterlogging.
4. Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
It is creeping. It has wide distribution and is good for fixing nitrogen in acid soils. It requires light and does not tolerate waterlogging. It is ideal for long-term grassland and sheep grazing.