248 FORAGE PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE 



297. Planting. Japanese sugar-cane, like other varie- 

 ties, has never been known to bloom in the United States. 

 It is propagated by laying the mature canes in shallow 

 furrows 6 to 8 inches deep and then covering. To insure a 

 full stand it is best to lay two canes side by side for the 

 whole length of the furrow, breaking joints in laying, as 

 the basal nodes are most sure to sprout. The canes may 

 be cut into pieces of 3 or 4 joints, and this is necessary if 

 the canes are crooked. In the tropics the tops of the canes 

 are often used for immediate planting. 



The rows are usually planted about 8 feet apart, as the 

 individual plants stool greatly with age, and narrower 

 rows do not leave room to cultivate. 



The canes are sometimes planted in November, which 

 is satisfactory in central and south Florida, but farther 

 north spring planting is advisable, as otherwise there is 

 danger of winter-killing. 



298. Culture. Japanese cane is cultivated much like 

 corn. Deep cultivation is desirable in early spring as 

 soon as growth begins. Later cultivations should be 

 shallower. 



The use of fertilizers increases the yield greatly, and the 

 yield promptly falls off if fertilizers are not used, at least 

 on ordinary Florida soils. The experiments thus far 

 reported do not show clearly what fertilizers are best to 

 use. 



299. Utilization. Japanese cane may be utilized as 

 dry fodder, silage or pasture. The crop should be allowed 

 to become as mature as possible without danger of frost 

 injury. If cut early, the plants are much weakened or 

 even killed. 



The experience of the Florida Experiment Station is 

 that the silage keeps well and is relished by all live-stock. 



