A Detailed Guide to Foxtail Grass Seed Prices and Planting Methods
Foxtail grass, also known as Arhat grass, barnyard grass, and fuzzy dog grass, is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Setaria in the grass family. It is native to the temperate and warm temperate regions of Eurasia and is now widely distributed across the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Its stalks and leaves can be used as feed, and it can also be used in medicine to treat carbuncles and blood stasis, facial ringworm, and more. Below, let us take a look at foxtail grass seed prices and planting methods!
How much do foxtail grass seeds cost?
The price of foxtail grass seeds is about 40 to 60 yuan per jin, but prices vary depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, and other factors. Foxtail grass is an annual late-spring plant that prefers to grow in warm, humid climate zones, with loose, fertile sandy loam and clay loam rich in humus being most suitable. It is usually propagated by seed. Seeds generally germinate and emerge from mid-April to May, with an optimum germination temperature of 15 to 30 degrees C. The seed-setting period is from August to October. Seeds can be spread by wind, flowing water, and manure, and germinate after overwintering dormancy.
Sowing methods for foxtail grass
1. Land preparation and fertilization: Before sowing foxtail grass, land preparation and fertilization are required. First remove weeds with herbicide or by hand, then prepare the land finely, applying 1000 to 1500 kg of organic fertilizer and 15 to 20 kg of phosphate fertilizer per mu as base fertilizer.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings: Foxtail grass is propagated by seed, sown in mid-to-late June, either in rows or by broadcasting. For row sowing, the row spacing is 30 to 35 cm, with a depth of 1 to 2 cm, and the sowing rate is 1 jin per mu. After sowing, cover the seed and press it down.
Planting methods for foxtail grass
1. Cultivation and weeding: Foxtail grass seedlings grow slowly and are rather fragile, while weeds in spring-sown grassland grow vigorously, so cultivation and weeding should be carried out 1 to 2 times in a timely manner in the early stage.
2. Cutting and topdressing: Applying appropriate nitrogen fertilizer after each use or cutting of foxtail grass will noticeably promote its regrowth and improve forage quality. Topdressing 5 to 7 days after cutting is safest.
3. Pest and disease control: Foxtail grass has strong resistance to pests and diseases, and pests and diseases rarely occur, but locusts, crickets, and other insect pests may still appear, so attention should be paid to their control.