SUDAN GRASS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2649, 24 November 1919, Page 2

SUDAN GRASS.

Of all the non-leguminous hay plants tried out and recommended by the Department of Agriculture none means more to the States south of the Potomac River than Sudan grass.

Although an annual, the ease with which it can be grown on land that is fair to good, its adaptability to a variety of soils, its considerable feeding value, and the fact that ram damages it less than, most if not a'! other hays, render it one of the most, valuable crops grown in the south. Sowed early in May, it gives throe heavy cuttings of hay, and considerable pasture, for the light early frosts do not always kill it. Where enough seed is used to giva a close stand, the hay is line and easily cured. Not less than 20 lb. of seed per acre should be used, and oO lb. is none too much for any but the richest lands.

The ease with which it cures gives it an especiab advantage for this humid climate. Its high feeding value and the fact tha.t stock seems to b :; very fond of it adds to its desirability. While it is not a poor land crop, it seems to be a deep feeder,feeding largely on the subsoil, and does not seem to impoverish the soil any more than other crops that produce but a fraction of its weight and value of feed. Compared with millet, it Completely outclasses that well-known plant in about every way, producing far more forage, and' much better forage. While I do not know of its having been tried, it is probable that if the land were harrowed immediately after the second cutting and grass or clover seed sown, a good stand would be obtained, and the Sudan stubbl would serve as a protection duriry th« winter. The failures that I have known ot were mainly from three causes : poo: - preparation, planting* on land tot) poor for anything but tobacco, and hard packing rains on land low in humus., and l>efore the grass was well established.