image used as white space
MSUcares header Link to home page
Logos of MSU, Extension Service, and MAFES Links to home page of website.

Mississippi Forages

Browntop Millet (Panicum ramosum)

Plant Characteristics: Browntop millet is a leafy, fine-stemmed perennial with a yellow to brown panicle seed head.

Establishment: Planting dates should be from April to August at a seeding rate of 15 to 20 lb/ac when drilled or 25 to 30 lb/ac when broadcast. Planting depth is 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Armyworms are usually a problem.

Fertilization: Not well adapted to calcareous soils. Adapted to sandy-loam soils. Adapted to pH ranging from 5 to 6.5.

Grazing/Hay Management: It could be utilized as pasture or hay. Browntop millet has a very short growing season of approximately 60 days. Usually from June to August and with yields of 3 to 4 tons/ac. Hay should be harvested at heading stage and only one cut is produced.