134 PRINCIP/\L INTRODUCED FORAGE GRASSES 



the warmer and more humid parts of this region the growth is 

 not vigorous. In acid soils, too, Kentucky bluegrass docs not 

 thrive. The conditions in the Plains region are too dry for the 

 successful growth of Kentucky bluegrass. In most localities 

 three years are required for the establishment of a good blue- 

 grass sod. In forage mixtures four or five years are usually 

 required after seeding before the bluegrass clearly predominates. 

 As a hay plant, Kentucky bluegrass does not rank particularly 

 high, the yield being light because of the low stature of the plant. 

 The seed habits are fairly strong, but the viability of the seed 

 is often low; accordingly it is highly important to know the 

 germination strength of the seed before purchasing. 



In establishing a pasture, bluegrass seed may be scattered with 

 wheat in the fall or in early spring along with other grasses or 

 with clovers. Seeding in midsummer seldom results in the ob- 

 taining of a good stand. For a full stand of Kentucky bluegrass 

 35 to 40 pounds of seed should be used per acre. Because of the 

 heavy expense, however, 15 to 20 pounds of seed to the acre is 

 usually more economical, as the stand resulting from such 

 seeding is sufficient soon to extend itself over the area. If a 

 small amount of bluegrass seed is used, the seed of other species 

 should be included to provide a temporary pasture while the 

 bluegrass is becoming established. 



Fifty years ago Kentucky bluegrass was practically unknown 

 in the middle and far West. Now it is a common roadside grass 

 within its natural climatic region. Growth starts early in the 

 spring, but the plant also matures early. Little growth is made 

 during hot weather; but with ample moisture in the fall an 

 abundance of leafage is produced, and the cover again furnishes 

 excellent grazing. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most 

 valuable of our grasses for all classes of stock. 



Kentucky bluegrass is the ideal lawn grass, as its luxuriant 

 leafage and abundance of rootstocks tend to cover and bind the 

 soil thoroughly. Like most sodgrasses, frequent cutting does 

 not seem to weaken the stand. If white clover is seeded with 

 Kentucky bluegrass, it makes a very satisfactory growth, either 

 in the pasture or on the lawn. 



