Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1940-04-18

In answer to a question express
ed in last weeks Herald, l would
like to present the following facts
concerning broom sedge:
Broom sedge is native to Ohio
and adjoining areas. 1t is most
common in old pastures and aban-
doned fields. 1t is particularly
prevalent on sheet eroded areas. 1t
is a plant that is known as gross
feeder. That is, it is able to obtain
nutrients and thrives where soils
are SO depleted of lime and organic
matter that desirable grasses and
legumes fail. Broom sedge is a
perennial but has no underground
root stocks or stolons and spreads
only by seed. The physical struc-
ture and habits of growth of this
plant are such that it requires less
moisture and growth than our com
mon farm crops and desirable pas
ture plants. From this you can
readily see that the several dry sea-
sons we have had in the last ten
wears have been conducive to
good growth on the part of this
plant. While it thrives on poor dry
soils. it will do equally as we'll or
other plants do not offer too much
competition. However, broom sedge
is not usually a problem on produc-
tive crop lands unless other seed
ings on such areas fail.
1t cannot compete with vigorous
growth of Kentucky blue grass and
white clover on well treated and
properly managed permanent pas
ture lands Only in cases OF drouth,
over grazing and other phases of
poor pasture management does 1t
gain a hold in such areas Due to
the fact that it is permitted to seed
freely on most farms and that the
seed blows readily for great dis
tances, practically all areas in some
sections are thoroughly polluted
with seed each year AS a result Of
this wherever more desirable plants
are kept from growing, broom sedga
is likely to get started. There have
been numerous instances III which
broom sedge has disappeared from
pasture areas following treatment.
It appears that this happens, how
ever, only when lack of lining and
nutrients are the factors limiting
growth before treatment. Where
moisture is limited due to shallow
soils. eroded conditions, or depleted
organic matter, broom sedge per-
sists after treatment. Frequently
it disappears a few years later prob
ably when the moisture holding ca
pacity of the soil has been improved
as an indirect result of treatment.
In spite of all short comings. ,
broom sedge is not without its good
qualities. 1t provides protecting
cover for extensive areas that other J
wise would be subject to serious /
erosion. 1t increases the organic
matter content, builds UP the sup ,
plv of available nutrients, and i'm I
proves the physical condition and /
water-holding capacity of the soil. .
1t may thus be a means of soil i'm /
provement 1t has saved much |
land on poorly handled farms from /
complete ruin. 1t is natures way of /
taking care of critical soil situations /
created by the mistakes of men.
Some suggestions that might be
made for broom sedge control would
include the following:
Applications of ground limestone
in amounts needed as determined
by soil test; applications of barn
yard manure as literally as possible.
This will do much to build up the
organic matter of the soil; fertilize
permanent pasture as we'll as crop
lands; Craze pastures heavy in May
and light in July and August; use
good seed and the best seeding prac-
tees in seeding new meadows; do
not let broom sedge go to seed
where treatment or grazing do not .
keep it down, NOV the area before
seed natures; do not burn broom
sedge off as this destroys the or
ganic matter content of the soil and
thus can continue the condition that
has caused the development of the
broom sedge Invite the cooperation
of your neighbor so as to prevent
reseeding from his land.-James f
Hum, County Agent.