Introduced grasses are not native to North America, however they have undergone breeding to ensure their suitability to the prairies. Introduced grasses are used for pasture and hay, wildlife, salinity control, grassed waterways and reclamation areas. Each variety has different growth characteristics and tolerances. Choose species and varieties that are suited to your particular soil and climatic conditions. Legumes are another forage species commonly seeded on the prairies.
Legumes serve as soil builders by improving soil tilth.
An important characteristic of all legumes is their ability to fix nitrogen if inoculated with the correct rhizobium before seeding. Generally they are used in mixtures with grasses to reduce bloat hazard. Mixtures of legumes and grasses may be necessary on soils with wide variations in textures and slope to allow for establishment under varied conditions. Grasses produce the major portion of their growth early in the season, usually permitting only one cutting. Pure alfalfa stands usually result in higher hay yields.