34 BULLETIN" 981, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



foot has been about the same for all the rates in these experiments. 

 In general, 20 pounds per acre under favorable seeding conditions 

 has been just as satisfactory as thicker rates. In several cases, 10 

 to 15 pounds have given maximum returns. A farmer near Good- 

 land, Kans., obtained an excellent yield in 1915 on a 4-acre field by 

 broadcasting only 5 pounds of seed per acre. The stand averaged 

 one plant to each square foot, but each plant tillered profusely and 

 grew to a height of 6 to 8 feet. 



A pound of the average Sudan grass seed contains 50,000 seeds. As 

 there are 43,560 square feet in an acre, it follows that a Sudan 

 grass field would have as many plants per square foot as there were 

 pounds sown per acre if 87 per cent of the seeds grew. But one 

 can not expect more than 40 or 50 per cent of the seeds to produce 

 plants. 



Taking all factors into consideration, 20 to 25 pounds per acre are 

 recommended for close-drilled seedings in humid regions and 15 to 

 20 pounds in dry sections. Owing to the more favorable conditions 

 for germination under irrigation, 15 to 20 pounds are sufficient. 

 These quantities should be proportionately increased if the seed is 

 poor, the soil in poor physical condition, or if broadcasting is prac- 

 ticed. 



CULTIVATED-ROW PLANTING. 



Few tests of different rates of seeding in row plantings have been 

 made. These trials show that it makes little difference in the forage 

 yield whether 3 or 6 pounds of seed per acre are used hi the 36-inch to 

 44-inch rows. The plants in the thinner seedings tiller so abun- 

 dantly that the lack of original plants is usually overcome. Thin 

 seeding results in coarser stems, however, and unless seed is scarce 

 or very expensive it is advisable to sow 4 pounds per acre in the dry 

 regions and 6 pounds in the more humid areas. 



A grain drill, a corn planter, or a lister may be used in planting 

 these rows, as described under "Methods of seeding." If the planter 

 or lister is not equipped with suitable plates, blank ones may be 

 bought and fitted with holes as desired. The ordinary milo plate 

 works well. In any case, the holes should be well reamed out on 

 the under side and large enough to let three or four seeds through 

 at once. About 15 seeds per foot of row space should be dropped; 

 this requires 3 to 4 pounds per acre in 40-inch rows and correspond- 

 ingly more for closer widths. 



HARVESTING. 



TIME OF CUTTING. 



like timothy, Sudan grass allows considerable latitude in the time 

 of cutting. It makes good hay if cut at any time from the appear- 

 ance of the first heads until past full bloom. If mowed before 

 heading, the plant is quite succulent and more cuttings during the 



