156 



FORAGE CROPS GRASSES 



Blue grass seed is light and chaffy and is easily adulterated 

 with the Canada blue grass and other similar seeds. Samples 



should be tested before using. 

 This may be done either by the 

 grower or by the state seed 

 analyst. 



Redtop (Fig. 103) is a true 

 grass and should not be con- 

 fused in the student's mind with 

 red clover. There is no resem- 

 blance between the two plants. 

 Redtop is adapted to the same 

 climate as timothy, but will 

 endure much moister conditions. 

 The growth is rank and very 

 good crops may be produced on 

 fields that are too dry or too 

 poor to yield a good crop of 

 timothy. The shallow root sys- 

 tem causes the crop to suffer 

 much from dry weather, but 

 makes it well adapted to low, 

 wet places. Because of the 

 numerous rootstalks near the 

 surface of the soil the sod pro- 

 duced is tough and even. The 

 seed is abundant and cheap. 

 , About fifteen pounds to the acre 

 /- will produce a good stand. 

 When seeded in spring, or when 

 seeded alone or with other 

 grasses in early fall, it will pro- 

 duce a good crop the following 

 season. Under favorable condi- 

 tions the plants persist well and 

 a good yield may be harvested 

 FIQ. 102. Kentucky blue-grass on left for many years in succession. 



and Canada blue-* on right. Note the OrrhirH or*<!<: /Ficr 1 fVH i 

 erect stem and open head of the former wrCnaTQ graSS \r Ig. UFt) IS 



Farm crops.) best a d ap ted to the regions 



where timothy is grown. Its special advantage is its growth in shady 

 places. It matures earlier than timothy, producing a tall, heavy 



