280 FORAGE PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE 



conditions to a height of 6 to 10 feet, but when broad- 

 casted thickly it grows only 4 to 5 feet high. The stems 

 are fine, the largest stalks seldom larger than a lead pencil. 

 Where the plants are scattered they stool abundantly, 

 as many as 20 to 100 stalks coming from a single root. 

 In general appearance Sudan-grass is very much like 

 Johnson-grass, but the two are entirely distinct, for 

 Sudan-grass lacks rootstocks and, therefore, never be- 

 comes troublesome as a weed. The stems are leafy, 

 perfectly erect and seldom lodging. The sugar content 

 is small, but enough to give a decided sweetish taste. 

 The panicle is loose and open, pyramidal in form and. 6 

 to 18 inches long. 



336. Adaptations. Sudan-grass is adapted to the 

 same general conditions as the sorghums, but it ripens 

 earlier than any sorghum, and will probably mature as 

 far north as latitude 49. It has been grown with marked 

 success in the semi-arid region from South Dakota to 

 Texas, where it is quite as drought resistant as any other 

 sorghum. It grows equally well through the humid 

 regions and has given splendid results from Maryland to. 

 Louisiana. Along the Gulf Coast and in Florida, however, 

 it has not succeeded very well, probably on account of 

 the great humidity. Under irrigation it seems destined 

 to become important, judged from the results secured in 

 Colorado, Arizona and California. 



337. Culture. Sudan-grass may be sown broadcast, 

 drilled or in cultivated rows. Where there is sufficient 

 moisture, broadcasting or drilling is preferable ; otherwise 

 the grass is likely to be coarse. In seeding this way three 

 pecks of seed to the acre should be used. 



Under conditions of light rainfall Sudan-grass is prob- 

 ably best sown in cultivated rows, though excellent 



