Start Date
1-9-2009 12:00 PM
Description
Teff (Eragrostis tef (zucc)) is an annual, warm season grass native to Ethiopia. Throughout its history, teff has been used more as a gluten-free grain for flour than as forage. However, in recent years, forage agronomists and producers have become increasingly interested in its potential contribution as a hay crop. Teff is characterized by a fairly large crown, many tillers, fine stems, a very shallow root system, rapid growth and high tonnage capability. During the vegetative stage, teff plants look somewhat similar to tall fescue in size and color. Teff tends to germinate quickly with good moisture, regrow quickly after being cut and a combination of timely planting, good soil fertility and favorable summer rainfall may allow for three to four harvests before the onset of cold temperatures kills the stand in the fall.
Included in
Teff: What Is It? Where Does It Fit in Kentucky
Teff (Eragrostis tef (zucc)) is an annual, warm season grass native to Ethiopia. Throughout its history, teff has been used more as a gluten-free grain for flour than as forage. However, in recent years, forage agronomists and producers have become increasingly interested in its potential contribution as a hay crop. Teff is characterized by a fairly large crown, many tillers, fine stems, a very shallow root system, rapid growth and high tonnage capability. During the vegetative stage, teff plants look somewhat similar to tall fescue in size and color. Teff tends to germinate quickly with good moisture, regrow quickly after being cut and a combination of timely planting, good soil fertility and favorable summer rainfall may allow for three to four harvests before the onset of cold temperatures kills the stand in the fall.