8 LEAFLET 91, U. S. DEPAKTMEXT OF AGRICULTURE 



used as a cover crop in pecan groves in some cases in northern Florida 

 and in southern Georgia, with good results, though it is necessary 

 to use sheets when harvesting the pecans. 



Kudzu Not a Pest 



There is no danger that kudzu will become a pest. True, the 

 growth, if uncontrolled, will make a tangle of vines likely to smother 

 bushes and even small trees, but in fields heavy grazing or cutting at 

 once reduces the stand and weakens the growth. Hogs will eat the 

 starchy roots and destroy a stand. The few plants that remain can 

 readily be killed by digging them. 



To Prevent Soil Erosion 



In gullies and on steep slopes a heavy growth of kudzu gives sub- 

 stantial protection against soil erosion. In such situations a limited 

 amount of grazing can be allowed and kudzu will not only prevent 

 further erosion but also will give the farmer some return from the 

 land. 



The Place of Kudzu 



Where alfalfa, clover, or lespedeza can be grown profitably there 

 is no place for kudzu. Any of these crops under favorable condi- 

 tions will yield as much as kudzu or more. Where, because of un- 

 suitable soils or lack of moisture, these crops can not be produced 

 profitably, kudzu is a good substitute, both as hay and for grazing. 

 If properly planted and reasonably well treated it will furnish good 

 yields for several years, but overcutting or heavy grazing will de- 

 stroy it. 



In the northern part of its range, that is, about the latitude of 

 Washington, D. C, its most profitable place would seem to be on 

 steep slopes and on rocky fields or other places not suitable for gen- 

 eral cultivation. Farther south, especially where rainfall is often 

 deficient, it may become one of the most profitable forage crops. 

 Any farmer in the South or Southeast may advantageously plant a 

 small area to be expanded if the crop proves profitable to him. 

 Kudzu would appear to have a place on submarginal lands, especially 

 if a farmer, having a small area established, can dig his own roots 

 and extend his plantings at a minimum expense for roots. 



In the Northern States and in Kentucky and Tennessee kudzu has 

 never been successful as a field crop. Possibly one reason is that, 

 while the old roots may live, the rooted joints of each season are 

 winterkilled and the establishment of a thick stand is thus prevented. 



Kudzu is a good crop in its place, but its place is limited. 



U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1932 



For sale by the Superintendent of Documenls, Washington, D. C. - - - Trice 



