Leymus chinensis, commonly known as alkali grass, is a vital component of the grasslands in the eastern steppe meadows and arid steppes across Eurasia. It is primarily found in the Songnen Plain and the eastern part of Inner Mongolia, with additional populations in provinces such as Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang. This grass thrives in cold and dry climates, making it ideal for cultivation in northern China and the northeastern provinces. Known for its early spring regrowth and late autumn dormancy, it provides a longer period of green forage, which is highly valuable for livestock.
Economically, Leymus chinensis is highly regarded due to its rich nutritional content. Its leaves are abundant, palatable, and packed with nutrients, earning it the nickname "livestock's fine grain." Herdsmen often note that it has an oily quality, making it highly desirable for feeding animals. Before flowering, the crude protein content of its dry matter can exceed 11%, rising to as high as 18.53% during peak growth. It also contains significant amounts of carotene, ranging from 49.5 to 85.87 mg per kilogram of dry matter. Even when processed into hay, its crude protein content remains around 10%, maintaining its value as a feed source.
The plant is not only easy to store but also highly productive. Under proper management, it can yield between 3,000 to 7,500 kg of hay and 150 to 375 kg of seeds per hectare. Its strong root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for land conservation. Additionally, its stems are suitable for papermaking, adding to its economic potential.
Botanically, Leymus chinensis is a perennial grass with a well-developed rhizome system, allowing it to spread efficiently. Its roots can reach depths of 1 to 1.5 meters, mainly growing in soil layers over 20 cm deep. The erect stems have 3 to 7 nodes and can grow up to 100 cm tall. The leaves are thick, flat or rolled, and range from 7 to 19 cm in length, with a grayish-green or blue-green coloration.
This grass is highly resilient, tolerating cold, drought, and saline soils. It can survive temperatures as low as -40.5°C and thrive in areas with annual rainfall as low as 250 mm. It grows well in sandy chestnut soils, chernozems, and even in soils with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 9.4. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging, and prolonged flooding can lead to significant mortality. In wet years, it produces lush foliage but may not flower as much.
In terms of cultivation, Leymus chinensis prefers well-drained, fertile soils with good organic matter. Proper land preparation, including deep tilling and compaction, is essential. Long-term fertilization is necessary due to its rapid growth and high yield potential. Basal manure applications, along with phosphate and boron fertilizers, can enhance seed production and quality.
Seeds should be selected carefully before planting, ensuring high purity, cleanliness, and germination rates. 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. A sowing rate of 37.5 to 42.5 kg per hectare is recommended, with a spacing of 15 to 30 cm and a cover depth of 2 to 3 cm. Timely rolling after sowing helps improve germination.
Leymus chinensis can be intercropped with other species like alfalfa, sand vetch, and wild peas to enhance both yield and soil fertility. During the seedling stage, it grows slowly and is vulnerable to weed competition, so timely weeding is crucial. Top-dressing should be applied after rapid growth begins, followed by irrigation. After 5 to 6 years, the stand should be renewed to maintain productivity.
In terms of use, Leymus chinensis is widely used for grazing, green feeding, and silage, but it is most commonly harvested as hay. Grazing should begin once the plants reach about 30 cm in height in mid-April, and stop after heading in mid-June when the texture becomes less palatable. Sheep, cattle, and horses are typically grazed, while pigs and geese can graze during the early growth stages. Rotational grazing is recommended to avoid overgrazing.
Hay is best harvested from the boot to early flowering stage, when nutrient accumulation is at its peak. After cutting, the hay should be dried for one day, then loosely stacked to continue drying. When moisture drops to around 16%, it can be baled and stored. A cow can consume 15 to 20 kg of this hay daily, either cut short or fed whole. It can also be processed into grass powder, granules, blocks, or bricks for commercial use.
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