Teff grass (Eragrostis tef) is a warm-season annual grass gaining popularity outside its native Ethiopia for its versatility. This fine-stemmed plant serves a dual purpose: as a highly palatable forage crop, well-suited for hay production, or as a gluten-free grain source for human consumption. Its rapid growth cycle allows for multiple cuttings when managed for hay, or a single harvest for its tiny, nutritious grain. Successful cultivation requires attention to specific environmental and planting conditions to ensure proper establishment.
Preparing the Planting Site and Soil
Teff cultivation requires selecting a site that receives full sun and possesses well-drained soil, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Although teff tolerates a wide pH range, a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal for optimal growth. Soil testing should guide the application of phosphorus and potassium to ensure adequate fertility.
A firm, fine seedbed is required for successful teff establishment due to the seed’s small size. Conventional planting requires tilling the ground, then cultipacking or rolling it before seeding to achieve firmness, preventing the seed from settling too deeply. This preparation is also crucial for weed management, as teff is a poor competitor during its early establishment phase. Existing weeds must be eliminated before planting, often using pre-plant cultivation or herbicide, to give the seedlings a clean start.
Optimal Sowing Methods and Timing
Planting must be delayed until all danger of frost has passed, as teff has no tolerance for freezing temperatures. Soil temperature is the most reliable indicator, requiring a minimum of 65°F at the four-inch depth to ensure rapid germination and growth. Planting too early in cool soils often results in slow growth, poor emergence, and increased vulnerability to weed pressure.
The small seeds must be sown precisely, typically at a rate of 4 to 8 pounds per acre for forage production. Seeding depth is the most important factor, requiring placement no deeper than one-quarter inch; planting deeper than one-half inch can lead to complete stand failure. Seeds are often broadcast and lightly incorporated, or drilled using a specialized small-seed box to maintain this shallow depth. Immediately following seeding, the field must be rolled or cultipacked to press the seed firmly into the soil, creating essential seed-to-soil contact that promotes uniform emergence.
Post-Planting Care and Management
Consistent moisture is necessary during the germination and initial establishment period, as the shallowly planted seeds can quickly dry out. While teff is drought-tolerant once established, growers must ensure a steady water supply until the seedlings develop a robust root system. The first two weeks focus primarily on root development, meaning top growth is initially slow and the crop is susceptible to competition.
Once the plant reaches four to five inches in height, its growth rate accelerates rapidly, and it becomes more competitive against weeds. Nitrogen fertilization significantly drives yield and quality, with seasonal applications ranging from 50 to 100 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre, split across the growing season. A common practice is applying 30 to 60 pounds of nitrogen at planting, followed by a second application after the first cutting to stimulate regrowth. Avoid excessive single applications of nitrogen, which can lead to lodging—where the fine stems fall over—making harvest difficult and reducing yield.
Harvesting Teff for Forage or Grain
The timing of harvest depends entirely on the intended use, whether for forage or grain production. For high-quality hay, teff should be cut in the late vegetative or early-boot stage, just as the seed heads begin to emerge, typically 45 to 55 days after planting. Harvesting at this stage maximizes forage quality, which can reach 12 to 16 percent crude protein, and promotes vigorous regrowth for subsequent harvests.
To ensure multiple cuttings, a high stubble height of three to four inches must be maintained, as the plant’s growth reserves are stored in the lower portion of the stem. Hay yields often range from 1.5 to 2.5 tons per acre per cutting, with up to three cuttings possible in a long growing season. When harvesting for grain, the crop is allowed to mature fully, requiring waiting until the seeds are hard and the plant has dried down. Grain harvest occurs much later and yields are generally lower than for the hay crop, but the resulting product is the nutritious, gluten-free grain.