Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-01-14

farms. When we consider that the
natural grasses available in the
coastal plains region up to the pres
ent time are mainly broom sedge
and wire grass, it is astonishing
that so much live stock has been
successfully maintained in the
south. These grasses, of course,
only furnish grazing for a part of
the year, and they are so tough and
unpalatable that animals at best find
it difficult to eat them. We can
never develop a live stock industry
of worthwhile proportions unless we
can secure better pasture grasses
for the maintenance Of our live
stock. 1t is for this reason that the
cultivation Of carpet grass becomes
so desirable and necessary.
In this connection, it may be well
to point out that carpet grass is
not so resistant to heavy grazing
or fire damage, and this probably
accounts for it's failure to spread
more rapidly over the open range
territory. Those who undertake its
cultivation should bear in mind,
therefore, that excessive shading
and the burning over of the land in
the spring on which carpet grass
ed. Carpet grass is a perennial.
This is naturally a great advantage.
Naturally, when it is once estab-
ished, it can be maintained success
fully through a long series of years.
This grass is pale green in color,
and spreads by creeping or pros
trate stems which root at every
joint. 1t thus forms a dense and
compact turf. The young plants be-
gin their growth in a somewhat cir
cular form. Some roots are sent
out in all directions, and, under IA
vorable conditions, a plant may
spread so rapidly as to cover a cir
Gle two or three feet in diameter
III a single year. In spite Of its
method of growth and rapidity of
development, carpet grass becomes
troublesome as a weed. It is very
easy to destroy by means Of plow-
ing. In this respect it possesses a
distinct advantage over Bermuda
grass.
This grass has blunt leaf tin
with compressed stems and sheath.
The seed stems are jointed and are
from twelve to twenty-four inches
high. Each stem bears two or three
slender spikes or flowers. Occasion
ally, they may be as many as four
or i've. The process of producing
flower stems continues from early
spring until frost.
There are number of Paspalums
which grow in the south especially
In Florida. These broad-leaved
grasses are sometimes confused with
carpet grass. 1t is important to
bear this fact in mind and remem-
per that these grasses can be dis
tingu1shed readily by the blunt leaf
tip and compressed stem character
1Z1ng carpet grass as COMPARED with
the rather broad leaf of the Paspa-
INNS. This grass grows well on all
types Of soil Where moisture condi-
tons are favorable. OF course, it
does much better on rich lands
than on thin soils, but it makes a.
surprising growth even on poor,
sandy lands.
On alluvial bottom soils, it may
crowd out Bermuda grass, but the
latter is, OF course, a much better
drouth resister then carpet grass.
This grass will grow especially well
on all soils where the water-table
approaches the surface of the
ground. On this account, it seems
to be especially well suited for
growth on what are commonly call
ed the "flat-Wood" areas. This grass
is nott injured readily by an ordi-
nary flood which, of course, is an
advantage if it is to be grown large
ly on lowlands. A compact soil is
desirable, and it seems to show an
indifference to lime, apparently
growing as well on ac.d soils as
those which are supplied with cal
iC
it should commend itself especially
to the favor Of the farmer in the
coastal plains region where the soils
are inclined to be acid and where
out-croppings of limestone rarely &C.
cur. Carpet grass will not thrive as
far north as Bermuda grass will. 1t
is not believed that carpet grass will
stand winter temperatures lower
than 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In con-
trast to Bermuda grass, the roots
or this crop are much nearer the
surface of the ground. While it is
cut down just as quickly by frost,
it greens UP much more rapidly
than Bermuda grass, and, in a mild
winter furnishes considerably more
grazing.
Those wishing to establish a pas
ture Of carpet grass should proceed
as follows: Prepare the land very
carefully so as to free it from any
Objectionable weed growth. The
seed bed should be firm. Hence, the
cultivation and preparation of the
soil should be undertaken we'll in
advance Of the expected time OF
seeding this grass. The seed may
be sown in the early spring or in
the fall. It is desirable that there
be plenty of moisture. 1t is general
ly considered good practice to use
about ten pounds of seed per acre.