KOBE, A SUPERIOR LESPEDEZA 



By Roland McKee, senior agronomist, and Howard L. Hyland. associate agrono- 

 mist. Division of Forage Crops and Diseases. Bureau of Plant Industry. Soils. 

 and Agricultural Engineering. Agricultural Research Administration 



THE LONG-FELT NEED for a good late-season legume for south- 

 ern pastures can now be well met by growing Kobe lespedeza. This 

 is an improved large-growing, late-maturing variety of common les- 

 pedeza. The large growth assures increased yields of hay. and late 

 maturity extends the pasturing season and provides nutritious feed 

 at a time of scarcity. Possessing these characteristics. Kobe can play 

 an important role in programs to increase crop and livestock produc- 

 tion. Extension of its use will help to insure adequate supplies of hay 

 and pasture for the livestock industry in the South and increase general 

 crop production. 



Kobe lespedeza was introduced from Japan in 1919 by J. B. Norton, 

 an explorer of the United States Department of Agriculture, who 

 made the first experimental planting in 1920 at Hartsville. S. C. The 

 first crop was grown in 1923 by the Coker Seed Co.. and the lush and 

 late growth indicated at once its possibilities for the southern part of 

 the lespedeza area (fig. 1). 



Figure 1.- -Southern areas of the United States to which Kobe Lespedeza is best 

 adapted for increasing crop and livestock production and improving the soil. 



589319°— 44 1 



