GAUCHO ATOM PRAIRIE GRASS SEED PER KG

Atom Prairie Grass

Atom Prairie Grass is a prairie grass cultivar (Bromus willdenowii) bred for good palatability, high tiller density and tolerance of harder grazing. It is particularly suited to fertile, well-drained soils and produces strongly through autumn, winter and spring. DLF Seeds currently lists it for high-rainfall areas. DDLF Seeds Australia

Seed sowing rates

• Sown alone: 30–50 kg/ha according to the current DLF Seeds recommendation. DDLF Seeds Australia
• In a pasture mixture: 5–20 kg/ha, depending on the other grass, clover and herb components. DDLF Seeds Australia
• A practical establishment rate commonly quoted for Atom is 25–30 kg/ha, particularly where it is being established with a legume. NNotman Pasture Seeds Australia+1
• Trial work has shown that increasing the rate can substantially increase early production; an Australian demonstration compared 15, 25, 35, 45 and 60 kg/ha. RReadkong

When to sow

Autumn is generally the preferred sowing period, particularly for a new pasture, because Atom is a cool-season grass and develops good autumn–winter–spring production.

It can also be sown in spring, provided there is adequate soil moisture and the pasture can establish before dry conditions. Australian pasture guidance lists prairie grass as suitable for autumn sowing and notes that it needs rotational grazing for good persistence. YYUMPU

Establishment requirements

• Use a fine, firm, well-prepared seedbed.
• Sow shallowly—prairie grass has relatively large seed, but it should not be buried deeply.
• Ensure good soil fertility, particularly phosphorus where deficient.
• Avoid waterlogged or poorly drained paddocks; Atom does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging or pugging well. Aagricom.co.nz
• After establishment, use rotational/lax grazing rather than continuous hard grazing, allowing plants to maintain sufficient leaf area and tillers. Aagricom.co.nz

A useful starting rate

For a new Atom-dominant pasture, I'd use 30–35 kg/ha as a sensible starting point. For an Atom + clover/herb mixture, around 15–20 kg/ha of Atom is a reasonable starting range, adjusting according to how much of the paddock you want occupied by clover and other species.