Knowledge about the botanical composition of grassland for silage is important regarding composition
of seed mixtures, control of weeds, choice of harvest times and feeding strategies. The botanical
composition of 185 fields in the mountain regions of southern Norway was examined using the dryweight
rank method. The survey shows that the youngest grasslands (age 1 – 3 years) were dominated
by the sown species with Phleum pratense L. the species with the highest proportion in the sward. In
4 – 6 year old grasslands, the proportion of sown species was reduced with the exception of Poa pratensis
L., and Elytrigia repens L. had the highest proportion of unsown species. The proportion of Festuca
pratensis (Huds.) was reduced at the same rate as Phleum pratense L. In grasslands of greater age (> 6
years) Poa pratensis L. and Elytrigia repens L. had the highest occurrence. The content of herbs increased
with age, and Ranunculus repens L. and Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg were the most frequent species.
The average clover content was < 6% of DM yield. The impact of Elytrigia repens L. on forage yield and
quality should be further examined due to the high occurrence. Poa pratensis L. or other long-lasting
grass species should be included in seed mixtures for this region when the grassland is intended to last
more than three years.
