PAMPAS GRASS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 1, 15 July 1941, Page 39

PAMPAS GRASS

By

C. R. TAYLOR,

Fields Instructor, Whakatane.

The provision of supplementary winter feed is a problem " s on many farms. In suitable ; = districts pampas grass can be i made to produce a large bulk of good winter fodder, as is = shown in this article. The exE periences of a number of I farmers with this grass will be given in next month’s issue.

Successful Methods Used For Establishment In The Bay of Plenty

GENERALLY speaking, pampas grass is not particularly exacting in its demands so far as soil and climate are concerned. Many people imagine that nothing short of a soil possessing the highest fertility drained swamp, for instanceis of any use for successful pampas grass culture, but this is by no means -the case, as has been demonstrated many times in actual practice. The plant will naturally do best under really good soil conditions, but perfectly satisfactory results are possible in less favourable circumstances, provided reasonable attention is given to the selection of a plantation site and consideration is shown to the young seedlings or rooted cuttings during their first year of establishment. •' Soils which do not retain an average amount of moisture over the' summer period or, on the other hand, become thoroughly waterlogged in the winter are, however, useless for good pampas grass growth and consequently should not be so employed. With regard to climate, it will be found that moderate to warm conditions, together with a well-distributed rainfall, such as is 'experienced , in most parts of the Auckland Province, particularly the coastal areas, suit pampas grass best. Nevertheless, it is surprising what rigorous climatic conditions it will tolerate when firmly established. High Feeding Value ' The feeding value (from analyses) of pampas grass has been stated by a prominent agricultural authority in

this country to be comparable with other green fodders, such as green maize and oats, etc., provided that the components are equally digestible. While one cannot honestly overlook the importance of digestibility when

comparing the relative feed values of various fodders as indicated by chemical analyses— only real test being actual feeding trials, made under controlled conditionsstill it would seem that, after many years of practical experiment by farmers over a very wide area, any doubts that may have existed regarding the feeding value of pampas grass have by now been completely dispelled. This is emphasised when one recalls how well cattle in Bay of Plenty districts thrive when wintered, largely

on the . dead, dry, unpalatable-looking maize stalks that remain after the grain has been harvested. Nothing could be more fibrous and less wholesome in appearance than this material, and yet for years past it has been keenly sought after as a supplementary winter fodder. . ' It should • be remembered that ruminating animals,? such as cattle and sheep, are specially provided by Nature with a means, of dealing with coarse, fibrous foods, and that in actual fact the health of these animals is liable to be upset if a certain amount of roughage is not included in their diet. Thus, all things considered, it would seem that not only need farmers have no fear of feeding pampas grass to their, stock, but that an increased benefit would result, if they were to extend the practice. Average Yield The yield is influenced by such factors as climate, soil fertility, and genera] care given the plantation, but

under average conditions it can be generally accepted that one acre of firmly-established pampas grass, plus a reasonable run-off or its equivalent, will, provide one month of grazing for ! 50 to 60 head , of ; grown cattle. Under better conditions the carrying capacity is, of course, correspondingly higher, but it would be a mistake and quite unfair, both to the farmer and to pampas grass, to make too extravagant claims. On occasions in the past such extreme claims have been made for pampas grass that a disservice has been done to this young, growing-up farm practice. Therefore, the writer, who has had considerable experience with pampas grass, would urge farmers to take a moderate view of its potentialities and not one with a tendency leading to either extreme. If this suggestion is adopted, little or .no disappointment will later result from any attempt to establish and maintain this well worthwhile perennial crop.

Method of Establishment A description of the very successful method of establishing a pampas plantation adopted by two practical dairy farmers, will be of interest. . Realising that pampas grass possessed no really unusual habits of growth the farmers set to work to establish it in a way that any other crop would be treated if a good result was desired. Haphazard, slap-dash methods were avoided, and after nearly two years two splendid pampas grass plantations of approximately six acres each are the reward for thoughtful planning and capable management. Pampas grass seedlings, as against stock from rooted cuttings, were procured from the Whangarei district in mid-springalthough autumn is also quite satisfactory in mild climates and were immediately planted out in nursery rows for further development. The nursery rows (Fig. 1) were spaced

about 18 inches apart, and the seedlings were set approximately 6 inches apart in the rows. Frequent weeding and cultivation were carried out, with the result that by the following autumn when they were lifted and put out into the permanent plantations they had grown from seedlings with only a single shoot to plants with a score or more of strong tillers (Fig. 2). The rooting system had also developed correspondingly. Thus, by the simple and inexpensive nursery treatment, small weakling seedings which would probably not have survived being set out in their permanent sites developed so vigorously that later mortality was negligible, and the plantation was ready to graze a full 12 months earlierthan could otherwise have been the case. A period of between five and six months appeared to be sufficient in nursery rows, by which time the plants had grown to 4 ft. and more in height (Fig. 2). On transplanting, however, this growth was cut down to

Within about ,12 inches of the ground (Fig. 3) and fed to dairy cows. Selection of Site The next step was the selection of an area for the permanent plantation. Bearing in mind the necessity for the efficient utilisation of the herbage produced, it was considered that several factors had to be taken into account. Among these were (1) the practicability of adequate preparation of the area in both initial and inter-row cultivation; (2) the location of site, in relationship to suitable run-off paddocks; (3) the proximity to an adequate water supply for the stock, or, alternatively, the ease with which water could be made available; , (4) the shape of area in view of the need for breaking offthe pampas grass when grazing it (a rectangular field is generally, better than a square field . because of the shorter lengths of i; fencing required to furnish the breaks); and (5) sufficient shelter, especially where winter utilisation is envisaged. .

These conditions represent practically the ideal, but not every farm has a suitable lay-out. Such a circumstance should not, however, deter farmers from making a start with a pampas grass plantation, for,. to the writer’s knowledge, many valuable areas have been established under less favourable conditions. Nevertheless, it is always a good plan to have an ideal at which to aim, even if one falls short of achieving . it. Hence, as a good guide to the selection of 1 a suitable site for a pampas grass plantation, prospective growers are earnestly recommended to make a study of the preceding paragraph. Having selected what were regarded as the most suitable sites, the farmers concerned thoroughly cultivated each area. Ploughing was well done, and, following a" rolling on the furrow, discing and harrowing completed the job. The areas were next lined out in 6 ft. rows—lengthwise and across (Figs. 3 and 4) — facilitate inter-culti-vation, thus controlling weed growth,

which is especially necessary in the first year, and also to conserve essential soil moisture by the provision of an earth mulch. Lining-out Several methods of lining-out were available, but the one used consisted of a pair of runners spaced 6 ft. apart and otherwise constructed in much the same way as an ordinary sledge. Decking was, of course, unnecessary. A row of lined up poles was used to secure two straight runner lines, but afterwards all that was necessary was to follow the outside mark on the ground with the inside runner of the sledge until the entire area was lined out one way. Cross lining was then undertaken in a similar fashion, and this resulted in the formation of approximately 1,000 intersections per acre, , at each one of which a generous sized hole (9 inches in diameter by 9 inches deep) was dug to accommodate the pampas grass transplants.' The work of transplanting from the nursery rows, while not difficult, was rather slow and , monotonous because of the care necessary to ensure that

the rooting system of the plants was not unduly damaged by breakage or excessive drying out. This slight difficulty was readily overcome, however, by lifting only a relatively few plants at a time and transporting them to their permanent quarters under cover of sacking. Considerable time was occupied in doing the work in this way, but the results have more than justified the method adopted. .Before transplanting, a good double handful of blood and bone fertiliser was thoroughly incorporated in the bottom soil of each hole to assist the plants in getting a new start. The young transplants were then carefully inserted in their respective holes with their roots spread out in all directions away from the crown, and at a depth not significantly deeper than when in nursery rows. The soil was ' then drawn in around each plant and thoroughly consolidated by being well tramped. Failure to carry out these few essential but simple details' will result in unthrifty, -lacking plants which are as unprofitable as they are unsightly. Wrenching of plants in the nursery rows was done

approximately six weeks before transplanting time. Season to Transplant As already mentioned, transplanting from nursery to permanent plantations was carried out in the autumn and not in the spring, as is commonly the practice. To avoid any misunderstanding, and therefore possible disappointment, it should be understood that this is not necessarily an all-round suitable season for pampas grass establishment. In localities which have a climate somewhat similar to the Bay of Plenty, and where weed growth in the spring is troublesome, it is considered that autumn is preferable to spring transplanting. Where winter conditions are rigorous, however, experience indicates that the work should be left until the early spring, especially where the soil retains its moisture over the dry summer period. In view of the fact that in the first year following transplanting there was considerable unproductive land between the 6 ft. rows of pampas grass,

one farmer whose experience is being related conceived the idea of , planting potatoes between them. He planted two rows between each row of pampas grass (Fig. 5), and secured a very profitable crop. Moreover, the cultivation and moulding up of the potatoes proved highly beneficial to the growth of the young establishing pampas grass (Fig. 6);. The other farmer planted a row of maize between his rows of pampas grass, and he also obtained a splendid yield of grain, at the same time assisting the pampas grass by adequate cultivation and the partial shade created by the tall-growing maize. In the second year, however, so well developed was the pampas grass as a result of its generous treatment that there was no possibility of taking a' second temporary crop of any kind. Feeding-off The first feeding-off of pampas grass established along these lines will naturally be governed by its development, and this in turn will be influ-

enced by those factors , responsible for plant growth—namely, soil fertility, climatic conditions, and general care bestowed on the crop. In the cases under consideration, however, the plantations were sufficiently advanced in growth to feed off in breaks in 15 months from the time of transplanting (Fig. 7). .To obviate the possibility of serious injury to the plants while still young, grazing was only of moderate intensity, and this resulted in a very rapid recovery, the present height of the plants being in the vicinity of 5 ft. The inevitable litter that remained after grazing was left to 'rot on the ground and was not burnt, as is sometimes the case. ; In conclusion, one can definitely state from actual experience that the culture of pampas grass is a perfectly

sound practice for the average farmer where soil and climatic conditions are suitable. The feed produced by a thrifty plantation is immense -in quantity and is relatively high in nutritive value. It is also quite palatable, especially when stock become accustomed to it. Pampas grass is very easily established if given a little care in the early stages, and is truly perennial in character, thus calling for the minimum of attention in later years. It is a great labour-saver at any time, and this aspect should particularly appeal to the farmer in war-, time. And finally, but by no means least, a suitable area of good pampas grass can definitely save the farmer money, and “Money Saved IS Money Earned.”

Answers to Correspondents

Building a Concrete Water Tank “ENTHUSIASTIC SUBSCRIBER” (OHURA):— Will you kindly answer my questions through the columns of the “Journal”? I am thinking of building a water tank, concrete, square, to hold approximately . 1500 to 2000 gallons. The tank would be dug into a hill, and would not project above the surface. Could you tell me the .thickness of walls and bottom necessary, whether reinforcing would be needed, and approximately the quantity of shingle and cement needed? FIELDS DIVISION:— The inside measurements of a tank to hold the following quantities are:— 6 ft. all ways square, 1350 gallons. 6 ft. 6 in. all ways, 1716 gallons. .7 ft. square all ways, 2143 f gallons.

For your future information, 6| gallons- of water equal to 1 cubic foot. The walls, floor, and roof should be at least 4 inches thick, and should be .reinforced). Wire-netting or No;. 8 wire will be sufficient for a tank this size, and it would be wise to have plenty of reinforcing . in the roof. Quantities of material needed for a 1716-gallon tank are: — , 2| yds. of metal (crushed to f in.). 1-| yds. of sharp sand. 11 bags of cement. The aggregate ■ (shingle and sand) and cement should be thoroughly mixed (at least three times dry) before any water is added. ’ The mixture should be well rammed into the boxing, and if the inside faces are finished off with a wooden float, use a cement wash of 1 part of cement to 2 parts of sand.

Concreting Cow Bails H.J. (TE AWAMUTU) : > I intend renewing the concrete in my cow bails this winter. , It was thinking of thoroughly washing the surface of the present floor and then placing the mixture, good coarse sand and cement, on top of that. I have been told, however, that this would not be satisfactory, and that the present floor should be completely broken up and the mixture put on top of that. Would you be good enough to tell me what should be done? •• ••• '. ’ ‘' •, * ' ■' FIELDS DIVISION— The method you suggest would not be satisfactory, as new concrete does not bond well with older mixes no matter how thoroughly it is washed. The best method is to break up the present floor completely and lay the new mixture on top of that.