Forage Factsheet – Big Bluestem

Species Name: Big Bluestem – Andropogon gerardii

Origin: Tall Grass Prairie

Longevity: Long-lived.

Uses: Reclamation, pasture.

Optimal time of use: Big bluestem should be grazed late in the season (or dormant) to maintain stand longevity and production. At least four inches (100 mm) of standing stubble should remain after grazing.

Recovery after use: In Saskatchewan, big bluestem regrowth is dependent on moisture, the previous year’s production level, intensity of defoliation and root energy reserves. Fifteen or more inches (380 mm) of new growth should be present before a second defoliation.

Yield: Recommended stocking rates are approximately 0.5 AUM/acre (1.25 AUM/ha). High precipitation levels greatly increase yield.

Palatability/Nutritional Value: Big bluestem is highly palatable. It is preferred in native stands to other grasses. Big bluestem crude protein levels are 7-12% during summer, however forage quality drops late in the growing season.

Competitiveness: Big bluestem is a poor competitor during establishment or when grazed. It is a decreaser species in native grasslands.

Winter Hardiness: Big bluestem’s winter hardiness is generally good. Intense defoliation compromises big bluestem’s winter hardiness.

Drought Tolerance: Big bluestem has poor drought tolerance

Erosion Control: Big bluestem can be used in a reclamation mix in moist areas in southeast Saskatchewan.

Ease of Establishment: Big bluestem has fair seedling vigor.

Suggested Mixtures: Other native warm and cool season species.

Salinity Tolerance: Big bluestem has fair to poor salinity tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance: Big bluestem can withstand saturated soils for approximately one to two weeks in the spring.

Soil Texture: Big bluestem is suited to moist, well drained, fertile loam soils. Warm growing conditions are critical for big bluestem growth. In Saskatchewan, big bluestem is best adapted to the southeast where it is found in moist low lands, in coulees and on lower slopes between hills.

Acidity Tolerance: Big bluestem tolerates soil pH as low as 6.0.

Management Considerations: Burning stimulates new growth and increases productivity of big bluestem in its primary area of adaptation. Nitrogen is crucial for the productivity of big bluestem through legumes in a mix (nitrogen fixation) or nitrogen fertilization.

Source: Saskatchewan Forage Council, 2007.
Dryland Forage Species Adaptation CD.