Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-12-22
Pastures for Georgia

The development Of grazing areas
Is a new industry in our state. 1t
il something to which little atten.
ton has been given up to the pres
ent time. Most people imagine that
all one has to do about any sort of
farming proposition is simply to
plant a given crop, and nature will
do everything else. Nature is exceed.
ingly wise, however, and jealous of
her realm. She safe guards her
secrets with great skill and care.
She is easily offended, but yields
a super-abundance of the good things
: which humanity needs if approached
with the right motivation and I'M
Outstanding.
"A large number of our people are
undertaking to plant grasses. They
are reaping misfortune and disap-
pointment. Why? Because they have
never stopped to reflect that we have
three types of land in Georgia upon
which pastures may be established.
These in order of their Importance
are lowlands, uplands and highlands.
We have several distinctive climatic
areas within the state. We have also
aolarge number of soil types In ad.
dition, there are many varieties of
grasses and clovers. Which of these
are best adapted to the soil and
climatic conditions under which they
are to be grown? We have not
thought much about this proposition,
nor studied Or reflected upon it to
the degree which it's importance
merits
III we are to develop the livestock
industry to a degree to make us rea.
sonably independent of the west, and
If we are to diversity production to
the measure which economic condi.
, tons determine as essential. then
we must increase our pasture areas.
The problem, therefore, is a big one,
fraught with great economic conse.
quences to our people.
1t must not be viewed as a small
undertaking. Hence, it seems to me
that all the facts which a study of
our grazing areas have brought to
light up to the present should be
assembled and carefully considered.
10 this end, Professor Paul Tabor
has gathered together all the essen.
; tlaI information as it pertains to
pasture production. He is no doubt
the best posted man in the south on
thls subject. Those contemplating
making expenditures for grass or
clQVer seed should familiariZe them.
selves With the findings he has as
sembled before making an experi.
ment in pasture production which I'm.
der improper procedure may result
IN a total loss.
During the past four years, an
easy, economical and sure method
mas been devised to make splendid
permanent pastures on the loWlands
or Georgia. This method is easily nut
INTO practice by anyone with expert.
ence in farming and willing to fol-
low directions. Three rules applica BILE
IN all parts OF the state will furnish
the necessary guidance. They are as
follows:
Rule 1. Select rich, low land not
subject to drowning and clear off
bushes, trees, and native grasses.
The low, rich lands are often
swampy and covered with a heavy
growth OF bushes and trees. BY clear.
ing away the growth so the full
amount of sunshine will reach the
soil and draining off the standing
twater, these lands are made ready
tor the pasture grasses. Where gall.
berry bushes are growing we'll, no
drainage is needed, as carpet grass
grows IN such places. A large growth
of gallberry bushes signifies special
adaptation of such land to pastures.
In clearing the land, the bush growth
is reduced greatly by burning dur
ing a dry period and in many cases
has been completely destroyed after
ward by AaaVy tramping and graz.
ing of caFtfe. The trees can usually
be sold as lumber and wood, but in
cases whe-e this is not possible, they
can be KILLED by girding and left
standing. Burning after clearing is
needed When enough trash is left
to prevent the seed from reaching
the surface of the soil. Flowing is
not needed on newly cleared land I'm.
less there is a heavy growth of ma.
tive grasses. Narrowing several
times with a disc harrow is often as
effective in killing the native grasses
and easier than blowing.
Rule 2. On a firm seeded, SOW
a mixture of 10 to 20 pounds of
Lespedeza seed, to 5 pounds each
of carpet grass and Dallis grass
sseed per acre, preferably during
late winter.
From tQ-te 20 pounds Of -Lesps