Quantum II
Tall fescue
- Excellent annual dry matter production
- New Zealand bred for local conditions
- Improved leaf softness compared to Quantum tall fescue
- Very good disease resistance
- Improved digestibility and metabolisable energy (MJME)
- Low aftermath heading
Quantum II tall fescue is a deep rooted, robust, productive tall fescue that is more persistent than perennial ryegrass and can tolerate waterlogging, salinity, grass grub, heat and drought.
Sowing & Establishment
Tall fescues have relatively slow seedling growth compared with perennial ryegrass so must not be sown in ryegrass mixtures. Sow in spring or early autumn at 22-32 kg/ha (Superstrike treated seed) with 4-6 kg/ha Superstrike treated white clover and with Grasslands Puna II chicory. Sow within the range of 5-15 mm, certainly not deeper. Tall fescues perform best under good fertility and regular use of nitrogen.
- Pasture Life 5 years+
Grazing Management
Take care not to overgraze during establishment short, sharp grazings are best. Do not allow tall fescue to become rank, as palatability declines markedly.
To maintain maximum quality and palatability, tall fescue pastures should be maintained below a height of 10-15 cm.
- Grazing Method Rotational Grazed – Long Term
Pasture Quality
Annual and seasonal metabolisable energy per hectare (MJME/ha) of two tall fescue cultivars.
Quantum II tall fescue is used in a dryland situation, with 140 hectares of a tall fescue/white clover mix and 150 hectares of a tall fescue and Stamina 5 lucerne mix sown last season. “Mainly used for finishing lambs and trading cattle, we are pleased with the weight gains achieved. Carcass yields were also better,” says Steve.
