Sod-seeding switchgrass and tall fescue into hill land pasture

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were sod-seeded in a pasture with 15% to 40% slopes to improve productivity and control water erosion. Switchgrass became well established, but tall fescue failed, probably because glyphosate was applied immediately after seeding. Height and yield of switchgrass were greater where atrazine was applied at seeding than where no atrazine was applied. A carbofuran application at seeding increased stand and yield of switchgrass, but its effects were variable. Broadcasting of glyphosate in comparison with banding suppressed cool-season grasses better and resulted in taller switchgrass. Mid-May is the best time for sod-seeding switchgrass in central Appalachia.