Hobbies And Interests
Brome Hay Identification
Brome hay cultivation began as early as the 1880s, states Farm Science Genetics. This green grass grows between 2 and 4 feet tall, with extending leaves of 4 to 10 inches. Once the brome grass produces a flower head, the grasses' tall leaves change color, commonly into purple and brown.
Special Horse Diets
Brome hay lacks the rich nutrients, such as protein, that basic alfalfa hay offers for a racing or work horse. However, brome hay's nutritional content is well-suited for older horses that feed slowly, and continually, during the day. Brome hay has high fiber levels that help older horses that need a diet.
Sustaining Soil
Farm soil is prone to erosion over time from rainwater or wind. Growing brome hay from its grassy stage helps sustain the horse enthusiast's soil content. The brome grass extends a large mass of roots into the ground. This root system effectively holds the soil in place during large rainstorms or heavy wind. Harvesting the brome grass into hay does not change the soil control characteristic. The grass is cut above ground, allowing the grasses' base and root system to remain as a soil erosion control.
Harvesting Time
Brome hay must be cut from its grassy stage before the plant has achieved a full bloom. The brome hay's nutrient levels will be severely limited if the grass is cut past the blooming stage. The grass depletes its nutritional supply to create the blooming for reproduction. Cutting the grass prior to blooming allows the grasses' length to retain the richest nutrients possible for horse consumption.