115 
In 1769, Nimrod recommended it for binding river banks. He goes on to say: »This must be a 
good fodder grass, especially for sheep, because it grows in the cattle- rearing districts of Aschers- 
leben, renowned for its exceedingly tender mutton«. Awnless brome grass has only quite recently 
come into cultivation, more particularly in Hungary. 
Although tall, this grass has only moderate value as a fodder plant. It soon becomes 
hard, its nutritive value is low and its creeping mode of growth makes it difficult to exter- 
minate even when the land is broken up. In dry climates, and on dry loose soils, where 
better grasses do not grow, its strong perennial character makes it valuable. In Hungary, 
fields of it have been in use for 13 or 14 years and even longer, and still the yield is good. 
Occurrence, climate, soil, manure. Awnless brome grass is indigenous to Europe, in France, 
Holland, Germany, Switzerland (very rare), Austria, Russia; to Asia, in Caucasus and Siberia. 
[t is found wild on uncultivated heights, on the borders of roads, fields and forests, in hedges, by 
riversides, and more rarely in meadows. 
It does not grow at high altitudes (Bavaria 1,650 ft.). 
Thirty years’ experience of this grass in Hungary shews that it withstands droughts 
so severe as to destroy all other fodder plants. It is not affected by cold, It cannot bear 
shade well. Nimrod states that plants grown in the shade bear awns. 
It thrives best on loose soils which are not too dry. The largest produce is obtained 
on soils rich in humus, on loamy sands and on sandy loams. 
It can also be grown on soils of a stiffer type, but then better grasses can, with 
advantage, take its place. It is most valuable for covering sandy soils, bordering lakes and 
rivers. In such situations awnless brome finds sufficient moisture, although better grasses 
would not succeed. In Hungary, on soils incapable of producing lucerne, it is frequently 
used as a forage plant. It is less particular, with regard to the soil, than lucerne, and 
little preparation is needed. 
According to the Zurich experiments, 1000 lbs. of hay remove from the soil: 
Nitrogen . - 7.7 \bs. Magnesia . : 0.8 lbs. 
Phosphorie Acid ee Lime ; eA 5 
Potash ’ 16h de. Sulphuric Acid . rie 
Soda ‘ ! In, Silica ; 30.4 ',, 
This grass requires little manure. If the sand is too poor, manuring before sowing 
will further the development of the grass, more especially at first. 
Growth, yield, nutritive value. Like common couch grass (Triticum repens), awnless 
brome produces long underground stolons with numerous roots, which penetrate the ground 
in all directions. In the experimental field at Zurich, the underground parts, in spite of 
the stiff soil, extended into neighbouring fields. To extirpate it, the land had to be broken 
up. By this mode of growth, the ground is completely covered with grassy vegetation. 
Numerous culms are produced. They are hard and leafy, and vary in height from 
one to four feet, according to the character of the soil. The leaves are broad, but thin and 
leathery. When sown in spring, a cutting can be obtained during the same year, In the 
second year, two crops can be taken. In spring it is later than other bromes, and only 
comes into flower about the middle of June. The aftermath shows no diminution in the 
number of culms, and the yield is almost as great as that of the first cutting. According 
to Sinclair, the produce diminishes after the second year; it is therefore advisable to break 
up the land, from time to time. 
History. 
Agricultural 
value. 
Geographical 
distribution. 
Habitat 
Limits of 
altitude. 
Climate. 
Soil. 
Substances 
removed from 
the soil, 
Manure. 
Growth. 
Development. 
Sy 
