The total water-soluble carbohydrates (TSC) in orchardgrass stubble accumulated during the period of cool season; and declined when the weather was hot and dry. During the period of cool season, the reserve level decreased when a new leaf emerged after the start of plant growth and then increased rapidly, however, decreased after seed ripening. Levels of carbohydrate content decreased sharply following the top-dressing applied simultaneously with the cutting. When the top-dressing was followed by the period of hot dry weather, carbohydrate reserves were often reduced to critical levels. In such weather conditions, the top-dressing on orchardgrass should be restricted.