BERMUDA-GRASS 337 



Methods of eradication 



"The very qualities which render Bermuda so 

 valuable as a pasture grass serve to make it an 

 aggressive and pestiferous weed. On account of 

 its tendency to spread and insinuate itself into 

 land where it is not wanted, and to persist in 

 fields which are to be used for other purposes, 

 it has, in many cases, not been utilized to the 

 extent that its good qualities would indicate. 

 However, it can be eradicated from a field with 

 comparative ease by proper cultivation. Since it 

 will not thrive in the shade, it is only necessary 

 to smother it out by some quick -growing crop. 

 A method recommended by southern agricul- 

 turists, and which may be modified to suit con- 

 ditions, is to plow the land after the last crop 

 of hay is cut, if the field is a meadow, or about 

 this season if it is a pasture. Sow the field to 

 oats, wheat or other thick -growing crops. When 

 this crop is harvested, plow the land immediately 

 and plant to cowpeas. It is probably best to 

 plant these in drills and cultivate them until the 

 vines meet, after which they will shade the ground 

 and prevent the growth of Bermuda. Usually 

 this treatment is sufficient to completely destroy 

 the Bermuda; but if not, the process can be 

 repeated." (Circular No. 31, Division of Agros- 

 tology, Department of Agriculture.) 



