Dec. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.^AT 



873 



Some Recently Introduced Fodder Plants. 



Tests on the South Coast. 



, R. N. MAKIX, Inspector of Agriculture. 



Three recently introduced fodder plants of importance were tested by th- 

 Department, in co-operation with farmers on the South Coast, during the 

 past season. These were Sudan grass, Saccaline, and Elephant gras's, all 

 of which are liable to be cut down by frost. 



Sudan Giass. 



Sudan grass is raised from seed, and is best sown in drills, so spaced that 

 tillage to keep down weed growth and to conserve moisture is possible. 

 About 7 to 10 lb. of seed are required per acre. The crop is one that will 

 do well on good ground of the poorer class. Farmyard or artificial 

 manures should be applied, and sowing should not be made until danger 

 of frost is past. As a rule, October planting is safe. 



Under average weather conditions two cuts for green feed or hay may 

 be obtained in the season, the first generally within three to four months 

 from time of sowing. Stock are very fond of this crop either as green 

 fodder or as hay or chaff. Experiments with this plant for the first- 

 mentioned purpose were conducted with the following farmers: — 



L. B. Gari-ad, Milton. 

 Geo. Lindsay, Daptc. 

 J. H. Martin. Painbula. 

 J. Timbs, Albion Tark. 



At Milton the crop was broadcasted and was outgrown by summer grass, 

 and perished. At Dapto the seed was sown with the wheat drill, sowing 

 through every cup. Germination was good, but weed growth was trouble- 

 some. Only one cut was obtained. The soil was of sandstone formation. 



The Albion Park soil was also of sandstone formation. On this plot the 

 seed was broadcasted, but owing to the poor growth only one cut was 

 obtained. At Pambula the seed was sown in drills 2 feet 9 inches apart, 

 and the rows were kept cultivated. The soil was of sedimentary character. 

 Two cuts were obtained. 



All plots were treated with P7 mixture, which comprises supei-phosphate 

 and bonedust in equal quantities, at the rate of 1 cwt. per acre. The follow- 

 ing yields per acre were obtained : — 



J. H. Martin, Pambula 

 Geo. Lindsay, Dapto ... 

 J. Timbs, Albion Park 



The lai-ge yields at Pambula, where drill-sowing and cultivation were 



carried out, are worthy of note. Excessive weed growth in the early stages 



of the growth of this grass is always a serious deterrent to a good stand. 



