100 



THE FORAGE AND FIBER CROPS IN AMERICA 



limestone soils in that section. It will thrive under a wide range of climatic 

 conditions both as to temperature and moisture. 



Johnson grass is closely related to the millets and sorghum, it being con- 

 sidered the parent form of the latter by Hackel. It is not of the highest 

 feeding value, being similar to the millets in this regard. (119) In 

 some sections where other grasses do not thrive, it has been found profitable 

 to give up the farm to producing Johnson grass hay. Two or three cuttings 

 may be obtained in one season. Like other strongly stoloniferous grasses, 

 it becomes sod-bound in two or three years, thus reducing the yield. Spillman 



recommends plowing the meadows in the 

 fall every two years. By this method 

 meadows are said to continue productive as 

 long as fertility lasts. Johnson grass does 

 not stand grazing well, pasturing some- 

 times being recommended as a means of 

 eradication. 



Johnson grass can scarcely be considered 

 a cultivated grass, since it is usually self- 

 sown. It is difficult to eradicate com- 

 pletely, both because of its strongly stolon- 

 iferous habit and because it seeds freely. 1 

 It is therefore ordinarily looked upon as 

 a major weed and a minor cultivated plant. 

 Doubtless, however, it may come to occupy 

 an important place in the farm economy 

 in certain sections of the South Central 

 states. 



106. TALL OAT GRASS (Arrhenatherum 

 elatius (L.) Beauv.) is closely related to 

 the common cultivated oat, and also to the 

 common wild oat-grass (Danthonia spicata 

 (L.) Beauv.) which forms a not incon- 

 siderable portion of the herbage of per- 

 manent pastures and meadows on the poorer 

 soils of the North Atlantic states. The tall 

 oat grass is a fibrous-rooted, erect, tall 

 grass, growing on suitable soil three to 

 five feet high, with a long open panicle 



bearing two-flowered spikelets. It yields an abundance of coarse forage, and 

 will grow on rather sandy soils where other grasses do not thrive so well; 

 but in the United States its lack of palatability has prevented its extensive 

 cultivation. (8) It is known . in France as ray grass where, as in other 

 parts of Europe, it is highly prized. The seed is principally imported, 



1 For methods of extermination, see U. S. Dept. Agr., Bu. PI. Ind. Bui. 

 No. 72, pt. 3. 



Tall oat grass taken at Cornell Station 



June 15. Panicle in bloom. 



One-third natural size 



