Leymus chinensis, commonly known as alkaline grass, is a key species found in the eastern steppe meadows and arid steppes across the grasslands of Eurasia. It thrives particularly in the Songnen Plain and the eastern part of Inner Mongolia, with additional distributions in provinces such as Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang. This grass is especially well-suited for cultivation in northern and northeastern China, where it excels in cold and dry climates. It turns green early in spring and remains green until late autumn, offering an extended period of high-quality forage.
Economically, Leymus chinensis is highly valued due to its abundant leaves, rich nutritional content, and excellent palatability. Livestock of all kinds eagerly consume it throughout the year, earning it the nickname “premium feed for animals.†Local herders often say, “Leymus chinensis has an oily texture; when used for feeding, animals eat it without hesitation.†Before flowering, its crude protein content reaches over 11% of dry matter, and can even rise to 18.53% during peak growth. It also contains significant levels of carotene—between 49.5 mg and 85.87 mg per kilogram of dry matter. Even after being made into hay, it retains about 10% crude protein, making it a reliable source of nutrition for livestock.
Leymus chinensis is aromatic, easy to digest, and easy to store. It has a high yield potential, with average hay production ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 kg per hectare, and seed yields between 150 to 375 kg per hectare under proper management. Its strong root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it ideal for land conservation. The stalks are also suitable for papermaking, adding to its economic value.
Botanically, Leymus chinensis is a perennial grass with a well-developed rhizome system. Its roots can penetrate up to 1.5 meters deep, mainly concentrated in the top 20 cm of soil. The stems are erect, with 3–7 nodes, and grow between 50 cm and 100 cm tall. The leaves are thick, flat or rolled, measuring 7–19 cm in length, and have a grayish-green or bluish-green color. It is highly resilient, tolerating extreme cold, drought, and saline soils. It can survive temperatures as low as -40.5°C and thrives in areas with annual rainfall of at least 250 mm. It grows well in sandy loam, chestnut soil, and chernozem, with an optimal pH range of 6–8. It can also tolerate poorly drained, saline, or alkaline soils but does not perform well in flooded conditions.
In terms of cultivation, Leymus chinensis prefers loose, deep soils rich in organic matter, such as sandy loam. Good land preparation is essential, including deep plowing (over 20 cm) followed by firming the surface. Long-term fertilization is necessary due to its rapid growth and high yield demands. Applying sufficient base fertilizer, along with phosphate and boron, enhances seed setting and improves seed quality. Seeds should be selected based on purity, cleanliness, and germination rate before sowing. Sowing can occur in spring, summer, or autumn, with optimal times being late March to early April for spring, late May to early June for summer, and no later than late August for autumn. The recommended seeding rate is 37.5–42.5 kg per hectare, with a spacing of 15–30 cm and a cover depth of 2–3 cm. Timely rolling after sowing helps improve germination.
To maximize productivity, Leymus chinensis can be intercropped with other species like alfalfa, sand vetch, and wild peas, which enhance both yield and soil fertility. During the early growth stage, it is vulnerable to weeds, so prompt weeding is essential. Fertilizer application should follow rapid growth, and watering should be done immediately after. After 5–6 years, the stand should be renewed to maintain productivity.
For use, Leymus chinensis is primarily used for hay production, though it can also be grazed or silaged. Grazing typically begins in mid-April when plants reach about 30 cm in height, and stops once they head in mid-June, as the texture becomes less palatable. Sheep, cattle, and horses are commonly grazed, while pigs and geese may graze during the early growth phase. Rotational grazing is recommended to avoid overgrazing. Hay is best cut during the booting to early flowering stage, allowing for maximum nutrient accumulation. After cutting, the hay should be dried for a day, then loosely stacked to dry further. When moisture drops to around 16%, it can be baled and stored. A cow can be fed 15–20 kg of fresh Leymus chinensis daily, either chopped or whole. It can also be processed into grass powder, granules, blocks, or cakes for commercial use.
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