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townie question

B3B3 Posts: 27,503

What is the tough grasslike plant that cows etc won't eat. You see it left in clumps in grazed fields

In London. Keen but lazy.
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

    It's the same grass as in the rest of the pasture, but grass that has grown where a cow pat (poop) was - the manure makes the grass grow darker, lusher and stronger for a while, but the cows find it unpalatable and leave it. 

    Eventually the 'extra fertiliser' is washed into the surrounding area, the grass becomes less dark and lush, and the cows eat it. 

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • B3B3 Posts: 27,503

    How interesting. never expected that to be the answer! Thanks dove

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

    It's the reason why horse owners go 'poo picking' in the meadows, picking up horse and pony droppings. 

    You sometimes see them bagged up on the side of the road free or £1 a bag or similar. 

    I brought a load home the other day to add to the compost heap.

    Horse droppings are fairly firm and can be 'picked' - however cow pats are very sloppy indeed. 

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511

    It could be as Dove says but equally it could be the sedge grasses if in a wet field.  B3 does say "tough grasslike plant".

    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

    I was just thinking that Redwing - you beat me to it image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • B3B3 Posts: 27,503

    I must admit it looks more sedgy. I've been in Ireland where the fields are certainly wet!   

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • could it be juncus effusis  ?  Generally speaking you'd not find good grazing on wet land, but perhaps you were referring to grassland in general terms.

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,503

    Hyper I've seen it all over the place but particularly noticed it  on  wet land in Ireland where cattle grazing but also in Kent with horses. I'm assuming it's the same plant but couldn't be sure. the ' leaves' seemed hollow when I had a look but haven't done a thorough investigation in all situations! 

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

    Ah yes, that sounds like Soft Rush - Juncus effusis - common on undrained soggy pastures http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/soft-rush


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • B3B3 Posts: 27,503

    That's the one Dove

    In London. Keen but lazy.
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