GRASSES 



There are more than i,500 grass species grown in the United States. 

 They vary widely in their habits of growth, climatic adaptations, soil 

 preferences, and uses. Almost all species are perennials, continuing or 

 renewing their growth for several years, and most of them can be used in 

 mixtures with other grass and legume seed. 



BERMUDAGRASS 



Bermudagrass, which spreads vegetatively to form a dense sod, is 

 found from Virginia to Kansas, south to the Gulf of Mexico, and in the irri- 

 gated sections of New Mexico, Arizona, and California. It grows well on 

 almost any soil that is fertile and not too wet, and it is relatively salt 

 tolerant. Most varieties require substantial amounts of nitrogen. 



Bermudagrass is grown for hay, silage, and pasture. It does not start 

 growth until late spring, grows profusely during hot midsummer weather, 

 and stops growth as soon as cold weather begins in the fall. It is a palatable 

 grass that toughens as it matures. 



Common Bermudagrass is often difficult to control because it spreads 

 rapidly by runners and reseeds itself. There are, however, four improved 

 varieties adapted to various areas in the Southern States --Coastal, Suwanee, 

 Midland, and Greenfield. The first three do not produce seed but all four 

 varieties are increased vegetatively- -by planting runners or crowns. Cer- 

 tified planting stock is available. 



Coastal is the most popular variety of Bermudagrass. It is taller 

 than common and is superior in disease resistance, frost tolerance, 

 fall growth, rate of establishment, drought resistance, and forage 

 yield. It is adapted to the heavier soils of the Cotton Belt as far west 

 as central Texas, but it grows well on sandy soils if supplied with 

 adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. 



Suwanee is similar to Coastal in its growth habit, but it is better 

 adapted to the sandy soils of the Cotton Belt. 



Midland is a more winter -hardy variety than Coastal or Suwanee, 

 and is adapted to areas farther north. It is being recommended for 

 use in Oklahoma on soils of high fertility. Other States are currently 

 running adaptability tests. Midland begins growth earlier in the spring 

 than Coastal, is more drought-resistant, and has good disease re- 

 sistance. 



Greenfield is another variety thatpossesses a higher degree of cold- 

 tolerance than Coastal and Suwanee. It is being recommended in 

 Oklahoma for soils of low fertility, and appears to be adapted to 

 areas in adjoining States. 



