KOBE, A SUPERIOR LESPEDEZA 



Figuee 3. — Lespedeza seed, showing varietal differences in size and calyx char- 

 acteristics. From left to right : Kobe, Tennessee 76, common, and Korean. 



tions. up to 30 pounds an acre is recommended for Kobe, while 20 

 pounds is enough for the other varieties. Inoculation of the initial 

 crop has proved beneficial and is recommended. 



Seedings of all annual lespedeza varieties can be made in the South 

 at any time from February to April. 



A well -prepared and firmed seedbed will help insure a good stand 

 and make it possible to reduce the rate of seeding. A cult i packer or 

 roller used immediately following broadcast seedings is added insur- 

 ance for good stands. When a drill is used the seedbed should be 

 firmed before seeding and the seed drilled very shallow. Good seeding 

 practice- save seed and money, and in times of shortage they make it 

 possible to sow a larger acreage with the seed that is available. 



With fall-seeded grain the lespedeza -ceding should be made as early 

 in the following spring as weather conditions will permit, in order that 

 the growth of the grain may not seriously interfere with the seeding 

 and establishment of the lespedeza. 



Usually the lespedeza seed is broadcast with a hand seeder and no 

 attempt is made to cover the seed. Sometimes a disk grain drill is 

 used, with the disks so set as to make a shallow cut and provide just 

 enough loose soil to cover the seed. Before seeding in meadows and 

 pastures it i- desirable to renovate the sod by disking or harrowing. 

 The heavier sods will require more intensive working with disk or har- 

 row, to insure the establishment of the lespedeza. In pastures or 

 meadows where lespedeza is being maintained, clovers or other strong- 

 growing winter annuals should not be seeded, as their heavy spring 

 growth will crowd out the lespedeza, 



