B. 1'. I.— 322. 



THE CULTURE AND USES OF BROME-GRASS. 



By R. A. Oakley, Asdstant Agrostologist, Forage Crop Tnrestufntioux. 



INTRODUCTION. 



It is the purpose of this bulletin to describe some of the more gen- 

 eral methods used in the growing and utilization of brome-grass in 

 the sections where it is now of most importance, and not to discuss 

 in (•()nii)leto detail its culture throughout the entire United States. 

 While the methods described are those employed in North Dakota, 

 South Dakota, and the Canadian Northwest, they are also applicable 

 in general to all other sections where this grass can be grown. The 

 treatment given the subject is slightly inconsistent, since the methods 

 actually practiced by the farmers and the suggestions and conclu- 

 sions drawn by the writer from his investigations are combined in 

 such a way as not to make them entirely distinct. It is hoped, how- 

 ever, that the matter Avill in this form be of more assistance to those 

 contemplating the growing of the grass than were another plan of 

 arrangement followed. 



Brome-grass {Bromus inermis Leyss.), sometimes called smooth 

 brome or Hungarian brome, is a vigorous perennial grass, possessing 

 aggressive underground rootstocks by which it propagates readily. 

 In general, it grows from 15 to 30 inches high, but under exception- 

 ally favorably conditions it attains a height of 4 feet or more. The 

 seed is borne in an open panicle closely resembling, that of the well- 

 known chess, or cheat, and is produced abundantly. (See PL V, 

 fi.g. 1.) Although the grass is inclined to mat at the base, the entire 

 stem is also quite leafy. (See PI. V, fig. 2.) 



Brome-grass was introduced from Europe about 1880 and has at- 

 tained considerable importance in North Dakota, South Dakota, and 

 the Pacific Northwest. It is growai in this country, to some extent 

 throughout the general region from Kansas north to the Canadian 

 boundary and west to the Pacific coast, but its importance in the 

 timothy and clover region is at present very limited. The grass is 

 capable of withstanding severe cold and extended periods of drought, 

 but it is seriously affected by heat, and consequently can not be grown 

 successfully south of the southern boundary of Kansas except at high 

 altitudes or under otherwise favorable conditions. It does Avell on 



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