Poa pratensis

Smooth stalked meadow grass has broad, tough leaf blades and is very strong. It thanks its sturdy denseness to its habit of forming determinate stolons (rhizomes). These stolons create a stable turf surface that is not easily damaged by play or high-traffic wear. Its deep roots, in addition to the determinate stolons, also make this grass variety very drought tolerant. Smooth stalked meadow grass is winter hardy as the growth point is close to the soil and the shoots and leaves of most varieties of smooth stalked meadow grass grow close to the soil. This reduces the impact of frost on smooth stalked meadow grass.   

These are some of the positive aspects of smooth stalked meadow grass. However, its biggest disadvantage is its slow germination and establishment rate, which means that the proportion of smooth stalked meadow grass in the turf often remains very low. An additional issue is the higher risk of Drechslera poae (leaf spot).

Recognising smooth stalked meadow grass.

It remains difficult to recognise Poa pratensis in practice. If the grass is closely examined, two translucent parallel lines are visible along the midrib of the leaf blade. When flattened, the tip splits open to form a V.  Other characteristics of smooth stalked meadow grass are the young leaf blade is folded in the shoot, the absence of auricles in the lower stem base leaf, the back of the ribless blade is shiny and it has a short, pale green ligule.

Smooth stalked meadow grass is known as a true sod-forming species and forms underground, horizontal determinate stolons (rhizomes). The grass emerges above the soil from these rhizomes. If smooth stalked meadow grass is allowed to bloom it produces a branched flowering head. 

On average it takes around 21 days before the grass seed starts to germinate. After gemination, smooth stalked meadow grass is very vulnerable, as the fine seed has a limited reserve of nutrients. Moisture supplies are crucial at this moment. Frequent, short irrigation sessions can exert a great influence on the germination and establishment of smooth stalked meadow grass.

This slow establishment rate gives weeds such as annual meadow grass plenty of opportunity to establish. When used in combination with other grass varieties, this trait may also mean that the proportion of smooth stalked meadow grass in the turf often remains very low. However, it is possible to increase the proportion of smooth stalked meadow grass by sowing more shallowly. Sowing deeper than 2 cm is detrimental for smooth stalked meadow grass. Light influences its germination rate and germination can be accelerated if it is sown shallowly (max. 1 cm deep).

Click here for more information on annual meadow grass. 

The biggest threat to smooth stalked meadow grass is caused by the fungal pathogen Drechslera poae, or leaf spot. This pathogen mainly tends to affect the older leaf blades. Leaf spot symptoms initially appear as small, watery spots that expand to form dark red, and later brown, oval-shaped blotches. As well as the leaves, the roots may also be affected. Lesions on the leaves are mainly seen in cool, wet periods, while in warm, dry periods it is predominantly the roots that are affected. This disease can affect the grass to such an extent that it will disappear entirely from the turf. Disease control involves keeping the top surface airy, removing clippings and regularly applying potassium.