Summer Annuals

Description
Teff, a warm-season annual grass native to Ethiopia, in recent years has attracted the interest of forage agronomists and producers for its contribution as a hay crop. It is characterized by a fairly large crown, many tillers, fine stems, a very shallow root system, rapid growth, and high tonnage capability.

Teff’s maximum yield potential and quality expectations are not yet completely known. Two harvests per year are relatively commonplace, and many producers in warmer climates have reported three to four harvests per year. We have seen individual harvests yield as much as 2.0 to 2.5 tons of dry matter per acre (DM/acre). Single harvests of 1.5 tons of DM/acre, however, are probably more typical, with total yields for the growing season ranging from 4 to 5 tons of DM/acre.

Although teff must be reseeded each growing season, it can be integrated into a forage program in a variety of ways, including as:

• A stand-alone grass hay crop for commercial sales or on-farm use
•  An emergency hay or haylage crop that can be planted in June or  July or later farther south
• A rotational hay crop that can be planted after harvesting cereals or annual ryegrass
• A break crop when renovating a perennial grass or alfalfa stand
• A fast-growing, self-limiting nurse crop for fall-seeded alfalfa
• A one-year grass component planted into a thinning alfalfa stand

Management
Teff should be fertilized with potassium and phosphorous at rates comparable to other forage grasses grown in your region. As for teff’s nitrogen needs, we recommend split-applying a total of 80 to 100 units of N per acre during the season. Apply the first 50 units at planting, and then apply the remaining N after the first or second harvest.

Teff’s fine stem is a benefit with respect to forage quality and palatability. However, the fine stemmed nature of the crop can cause lodging problems if it is not harvested at the proper maturity stage. To avoid lodging, harvest teff in the late vegetative stage, just prior to seed head emergence, at a cutting height of 24 to 30 inches with a 4- to 5-inch residue height.

Establishment
Seeding depth is a mere 1/8” to 1/4” deep. Do not seed any deeper. Excellent teff stands can be achieved using either no-till or conventional seeding methods. But broadcasting teff seed into a very firm, prepared seedbed may be the best option in field environments where tillage is environmentally acceptable. The importance of a firm seedbed cannot be overemphasized.

Teff seedings should not be made until the soil temperature has consistently reached 64°F. The recommended seeding rate is generally 4 to 5 pounds per acre for uncoated seed and 10 to 12 pounds per acre for coated seed.

Teff is not recommended as a grazing crop due to its very shallow root system. Grazing animals are likely to pull substantial numbers of teff plants out of the ground as they graze. If grazing is necessary, wait until one or two hay harvests have been completed before grazing to allow the roots more time to develop and become better anchored in the soil.