THE SMALLER GRASSES— STRAW 



173 



states. Bermuda forms a dense sod and serves best when closely 

 grazed, as otherwise it becomes tough and wiry. It drives out most 

 other grasses, but lespedeza or white clover will nourish in spots and 

 improve the pasture. It furnishes pasturage from April to October 

 and in winter, when it is dormant, the sod may be seeded with bur 

 clover, hairy vetch, or Italian rye grass. Tho primarily a pasture 

 plant, on rich soil Bermuda yields from three to four tons per acre 

 of hay equal to timothy in value, tho the average is not over one ton. 

 Johnson grass. — In the South this plant is the worst weed of the 



Blip 



11 



Fig. 49. — Sudan Grass — A New Crop op Much Promise 



This close relative of the sorghums is giving excellent results as a hay crop 

 in the semi-arid districts and may prove' superior to the millets as a catch crop 

 in the northern states. (From U. S. Department of Agriculture.) 



cotton planter and yet the best meadow grass for many sections. Its 

 vigorous creeping rootstalks make it difficult to eradicate when once 

 established and it is therefore not usually sown on clean fields. From 

 two to three tons per acre is the average yield of Johnson grass cut for 

 hay, but 6 tons per acre has been reported. It should be cut before 

 maturity. Tho too coarse for pasture, Johnson grass may be cut once 

 a month during the summer for soilage. 



Sudan grass, — This close relative of the sorghums was introduced 

 into this country by the United States Department of Agriculture 



