Get Teff CTD for $2.64 per Pound 

Teff is often used to rejuvenate an old pasture or alfalfa stand. It serves as primary forage, emergency forage, “summer slump” relief, double crop, erosion control, or an “I’m in a drought, please rescue me” crop! Teff is a fine-stem, warm-season annual similar in appearance to bunch grass, often used as forage hay or a cover crop. It typically yields and has a quality similar to Timothy, while being more drought-tolerant. Plant height can range from 3’ to 4’, depending on the area. One of Teff’s best attributes is its fast emergence time (as little as three to five days), making it a prime choice for an emergency cover crop.

 

• Planting Depth: 0.125” to 0.25″ 

• Planting Rates: 8 to 12 Pounds per Acre 

• Planting Dates: May to July 

 

Product ships in a 50-pound bag.

Establishment

Due to rapid germination, Teff can be easily established if planted in a firm seedbed where soil temperatures are at least 65°F. Teff should be planted after any and all risk of frost has passed for the season. It can be cultivated in a wide range of soil environments, meaning it can tolerate both drought and waterlogged conditions.

For best establishment, an available 50 to 60 pounds of nitrogen at planting is recommended. Broadcast planting is the preferred method of sowing, though it can also be sown in very narrow rows for enhanced weed competition. Planting deeper than recommended will usually result in a complete stand failure. Stand failure may also occur when planting after small grains unless the stubble is thoroughly incorporated into the soil. Initial growth is slow until a good root system is established.

Adaptation

Teff seed will not germinate well in cool soils. The plants are highly susceptible to cold and will die if temperatures drop to 32°F or lower.

Management

The advantage of Teff is its ability to produce high-quality hay in a relatively short growing season. Teff has an initial slow growth until a good root system is established. Herbicide programs for Teff would be similar to those for other annual grasses or cereal grains. Small applications of nitrogen following each cut will enhance yields of later cuts. Moderate amounts of phosphorus and, in some cases, sulfur may be required. Excessive fertilization should be avoided to prevent lodging.

For optimal quality feed, harvest before maturity. The cutting interval is generally 40 to 45 days but may vary. Currently, there are several Teff varieties being sold, with very little difference between them. For optimum forage quality, Teff should be harvested in the pre-boot to early boot stage, approximately 45 to 50 days after planting, at a cutting height of 3” to 4”. Harvest regrowth in 30 to 45 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Description

Teff is a warm-season annual grass that is fine-stemmed with large crowns and many tillers. Its roots are shallow, and a massive fibrous root system has developed. Plant height at maturity is typically 3’ to 4’, but varies depending on the variety and environmental conditions. When harvested at the proper stage, crude protein will normally be in the 15% to 20% range.

Teff has an open panicle-type seed head. There are approximately 1.3 million seeds per pound. When seeds are coated at 50%, there are approximately 650,000 seeds per pound.