These two grass species can be mown at the same height and retain a sod density for which both are well known. Although bluegrass needs more fertilizer, the perennial will respond to additional amounts without any damage. A valuable winter and spring grazing crop that can be overseeded onto additional forages or used alone lengthening the pasture season. A fast growing multi-use forage crop requiring minimal tillage and competitive enough to make a place for itself. Compact growing habit reinforces the ground and gives a perfect erosion base for pastures with heavy traffic or in the case of heavy rains or snow meltdown it helps keep the livestock out of the mud as much as possible.
Perennial ryegrass is fast germinating, grows prolifically, and can be grazed heavily.
The ryegrasses are well known for being companion grasses in mixes of fescue, clovers, timothy, orchard grass and many other pasture crops. The ryegrass is usually first to germinate and grow in while the others are developing. Perennial rye is used to overseed many warmer season pastures that may go dormant or are growing slower due to cooler temperatures. This is one of the most diversified grasses used in the forage industry for permanent and semi-permanent pastures. Since annual and perennial ryegrasses are used in overseeding many areas the best stands are still the ones with a small amount of input.