THE THREE LEADING FORAGE GRASSES 7 1 



alluvial land along the Coast where carpet grass and 

 St. Augustine grass are used. 



Bermuda grass, because of its abundant creeping root- 

 stocks, is very aggressive. It freely occupies open 

 ground where it forms strong vigorous rootstocks as 

 thick as a pencil, that penetrate in all directions. For 

 this reason, it is difficult to eradicate and becomes a 

 pestiferous weed. This form is often called wire grass 

 and it is sometimes difficult to convince farmers and 

 planters that this coarse aggressive weed is the same 

 as the fine-leaved Bermuda. But the two forms are the 

 same species, the difference in aspect being due to the 

 different conditions under which they grow or to different 

 strains of the species. 



Bermuda does not grow well with other grasses, but 

 may be combined with Japan clover, bur clover, black 

 medick, or sweet clover. 



Bermuda as a Pasture Grass 



Bermuda pasture may be established by sowing the 

 seed or by planting cuttings. For seeding, it is necessary 

 to prepare the soil carefully as the seed is very small. 

 The seed is sown in early spring at the rate of about 

 6 to 8 pounds per acre and rolled in, unless sown just 

 before a rain when the rolling may be omitted. In the 

 Gulf States it is recommended that Bermuda be com- 

 bined with bur clover or with Japan clover. The pastur- 

 age is more nutritious and the grazing may be extended 

 through the entire season. The seed upon the market 

 has been mostly imported from Australia, but much is 

 now obtained from southern California and Arizona. 



