Although preferring the better loam soils on comparatively level 

 sites, black dropseed also grows on a wide variety of soils from 

 clayey to somewhat rocky, and is not uncommon on moderately 

 steep slopes at elevations of from. 6,000 to 8,000 feet. It sometimes 

 occurs abundantly over rather extensive areas in nearly pure stands, 

 or else associated with other grasses, particularly blue grama (Bou- 

 teloua gracitis), fescues (Festuca spp.), bluestem (Agropyron 

 smithii), and mountain muhly (Muhlenberyia, montana). 



This plant is one of the most palatable grasses of the Southwest 

 and is a key species on ranges where it occurs in sufficient abundance 

 to be of importance. It is always grazed closely and is preferred to 

 any of its associates. Black dropseed produces a fairly large volume 

 of foliage which greens up early and retains its palatability through- 

 out the grazing season. Talbot and Hill * report : 



Black sporobolus * * * showed a net gain of almost as much under 

 overgrazing as under fence, indicating its high resistance to heavy grazing. 

 * * * The data are meager and the tendencies seem puzzling at first glance, 

 but by the aid of wider observations it is believed that the same rule will 

 probably apply to this grass as to blue grama, i. e., it will thrive under proper 

 intensity of grazing and resist overgrazing in marked degree, but can be killed 

 out by long continued overgrazing. 



When not grazed too closely, black dropseed produces a large 

 amount of viable seed which assists in the satisfactory reproduction 

 of the species. Management should be such as to encourage the 

 spread of this valuable grass. Reseeding experiments are now being 

 made with black dropseed to increase its abundance and extend its 

 range. These plantings are giving some promise of success, but the 

 cost of seed collection is rather high. 



Black dropseed can usually be distinguished from other drop- 

 seeds by its rather narrow, brownish, lead-colored panicle, its bright, 

 light green foliage, and by the spikelets which are exceptionally 

 large for a dropseed, being about one-fourth of an inch long. The 

 panicle branches are short, alternate, and densely flowered near the 

 tips but bare along the lower portions. With the autumn frosts, the 

 foliage fades to a yellowish green color. 



There has been considerable difference in opinion in the litera- 

 ture as to whether this grass possesses rootstocks. The fact that it 

 forms a sod over small areas has led to the common belief that 

 rootstocks are present. Actually, however, the plant does not have 

 rootstocks, and the sod-forming habit is made possible by excep- 

 tionally pronounced stooling. The repeated development of new 

 shoots from the base of the culms gives the appearance of short 

 stout rootstocks. 



In an unpublished note regarding this species, R. R. Hill, assistant 

 chief of range management, United States Forest Service, states : 



Black sporobolus is, in my judgment, the best grass that grows within its 

 limited range ; the most palatable season-long to all classes of livestock ; very 

 resistant to drought and grazing and capable of spreading vegetatively (I 

 believe it has possibilities as a lawn grass). It greens up early and remains 

 so continuously until late in the season. It richly deserves extensive experi- 

 mentation. 



1 Talbot, M. W., and Hill, R. R. PROGRESS REPORT ON RANGE STUDY PLOTS, COCOXINO 

 NATIONAL FOREST. 33 pp. 1923. [Unpublished ms.] 



