ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

Which two grasses are classified as cool-season grasses?

1. Timothy and Ryegrass

2. Orchardgrass and Smooth Bromegrass

3. Bermudagrass and Fescue

4. Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass

The correct answer is: Orchardgrass and Smooth Bromegrass

The classification of grasses into cool-season and warm-season categories is primarily based on their growth patterns in relation to temperature. Cool-season grasses are those that thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, showcasing their optimal growth when temperatures range from around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Orchardgrass and Smooth Bromegrass are both recognized as cool-season grasses. Orchardgrass, for instance, is known for its ability to establish early in the growing season, providing good forage during cooler months. It is particularly valued for its palatability and high yield during the spring and fall. Similarly, Smooth Bromegrass grows best in the cooler parts of the year and is also able to persist under various soil conditions, making it another excellent cool-season choice. In contrast, Timothy and Ryegrass are typically associated with cool-season characteristics, but they do not encompass the range of traits represented by Orchardgrass and Smooth Bromegrass in terms of adaptability and pasture management. Bermudagrass is classified as a warm-season grass, effectively growing in the heat of summer, while Fescue can vary in classification depending on the type, but generally, it is also categorized as a cool-season grass. Bluegrass, while indeed a cool-season grass, does not