ise DEPARTMENT - OF AGRICULTURE. BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY—BULLETIN NO. 117. B. T. GALLOWAY, Chief of Bureau THE RESEEDING OF DEPLETED RANGE - AND NATIVE PASTURES. DAVID GRIFFITHS, ASSISTANT AGRICULTURIST, FarM MANAGEMENT INVESTIGATIONS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1907. rey @ (9 = sree ene centers eet ” tea? din A TT ee ane ie i Ay - 5 ee oe f 7 yh a - Pre: ee te. ov) a & i we _e nae - fe Ve i re, : Ssh)” - 7 ot io ra S Ge Lt ee ee 0 Ae aS : a eis a - wee ra 77 4 a co + are: +) aa “ste re Pa4 ‘. 1 Are 7 a ee 8 4) ty - : " a if - ay 7 PF, Ji # op. . 7 5) a ; f as + a” » & «# am a ; i wet i. La aL ee es ae ey . i; Rati. 2 13h en, Me =P ¢ EF. De TOC ny. bar a -* 44 foe | Wer Ay ee OO ae erp Lat} c i oy vee - > h To / o ra oe Me Tie a. > ih = > ile “~~; y a 7 7 - ive Ge 2° Yee Gane oS = € ae aka a) : ya oe a mr en ; ci 7 ¥ wa os a Pe -4 - 7 ‘ bad - _ - _ = 7 a - » a . - oat 2 7 7 a . " - } - . . - ? 4,2 oe 7 7 - ~ Ls 7 _ ° D n = = -— - i : x _ i» . : a A 1 Fi : , ® a u a = el = i= - i] ’ Oe 7 a * o ’ i si a* = a Ow. a er) . - 7 a . - - ; — = : ie “ 2 _ _ 7 - = - 7 - i 4 > 7 os rm 7: 5 a cs Ve - a vn 7 soi “a 7 hie — Pao PEA MEN DOr AGRICULTURE. BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY— BULLETIN NO. 117. B. T. GALLOWAY, Chief of Bureau. THE RESEEDING OF DEPLETED RANGE AND NATIVE PASTURES. BY DAVID GRIFFITHS, ASSISTANT AGRICULTURIST, FARM MANAGEMENT INVESTIGATIONS. ISSUED DECEMBER 13, 1907. WO ewe WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1907. BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. Pathologist and Physiologist, and Chief of Bureau, Beverly T. Galloway. Pathologist and Physiologist, and Assistant Chief of Bureau, Albert F. Woods. Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Erwin F. Smith, Pathologist in Charge. Investigations of Diseases of Fruits, Merton B. Waite, Pathologist in Charge. Laboratory of Forest Pathology, Haven Metcalf, Pathologist in Charge. Plant Life History Investigations, Walter T. Swingle, Physiologist in Charge. Cotton and Tobacco Breeding Investigations, Archibald D. Shamel, Physiologist in Charge. Corn Investigations, Charles P. Hartley, Physiologist in Charge. Alkali and Drought Resistant Plant Breeding Investigations, Thomas H. Kearney, Physiologist in Charge. Soil Bacteriology and Water Purification Investigations, Karl F. Kellerman, Physiologist in Charge. Bionomic Investigations of Tropical and Subtropical Plants, Orator F. Cook, Bionomist in Charge. Drug and Poisonous Plant Investigations and Tea Culture Investigations, Rodney H. True, Physiologist in Charge. Physical Laboratory, Lyman J. Briggs, Physicist in Charge Crop Technology Investigations, Nathan A. Cobb, Expert in Charge. Taxonomic Investigations, Frederick V. Coville, Botanist in Charge. Farm Management Investigations, William J. Spillman, Agriculturist in Charge. Grain Investigations, Mark A. Carleton, Cerealist in Charge. Arlington Experimental Farm, Lee C. Corbett, Horticulturist in Charge. Sugar Beet Investigations, Charles O. Townsend, Pathologist in Charge. Western Agricultural Extension Investigations, Carl S. Scofield, Agriculturist in Charge. Dry Land Agriculture Investigations, E. Channing Chilcott, Agriculturist in Charge. Pomological Collections, Gustavus B. Brackett, Pomologist in Charge. Field Investigations in Pomology, William A. Taylor and G. Harold Powell, Pomologists in Charge. Experimental Gardens and Grounds, Edward M. Byrnes, Superintendent. Vegetable Testing Gardens, William W. Tracy, sr., Superintendent. Seed and Plant Introduction, David Fairchild, Agricultural Explorer in Charge. Forage Crop Investigations, Charles V. Piper, Agrostologist in Charge. Seed Laboratory, Edgar Brown, Botanist in Charge. Grain Standardization, John D. Shanahan, Expert in Charge. Subtropical Laboratory and Garden, Miami, Fla., Ernst A. Bessey, Pathologist in Charge. Plant Introduction Garden, Chico, Cal., August Mayer, Expert in Charge. South Texas Garden, Brownsville, Tex., Edward C. Green, Pomologist in Charge. Cotton Culture Farms, Seaman A. Knapp, Lake Charles, La., Special Agent in Charge. Editor, J. E. Rockwell. Chief Clerk, James E. Jones. FARM MANAGEMENT INVESTIGATIONS. W. J. Spillman, Agriculturist in Charge. Scientific Staff._F. G. Allison, Harmon Benton, D. A. Brodie, L. E. Carrier, J. S. Cates, J. S. Cotton, M. A. Crosby, L. G. Dodge, E. J. Glasson, David Griffiths, Byron Hunter, C. K. McClelland, H. B. McClure, R. A. Oakley, W. A. Peck, C. E. Quinn, S. M. Tracy, C. W. Warburton, J. A. Warren, J. M. Westgate. 117 2 ed a - lowed by little or no cultivation. LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BuREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, Washington, D. C., August 20, 1907. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, and to recommend for publication as Bulletin No. 117 of the series of this Bureau, the accompanying manuscript entitled ‘‘The Reseeding of Depleted Range and Native Pastures,” by Dr. David Griffiths, Assistant Agriculturist, Farm Management Investigations. This paper embodies the results of successful experiments in the reseeding of native pastures and poimts out the character of the regions wherein success may be expected from the use of seed fol- Respectfully, B. T. Gattoway, Chief of Bureau. Hon. JAMEs WILSON, Secretary of Agriculture. 117 CON EN ss Page. ai eab eee ee eee eee a oe oe Senet 2 ob ete oo ate ae Popular conceptions of reseeding ranges. ........2.2.2-2 2.42. S sees ese ees eens if 158 STULL yeeros I ee a eee 8 Inet EACH eet ee OSs eee ys Lote poten oo alain men ee tes 8 MOP MLPUERPEIICS Seo ao ok Bae: aa wena ents Be Liem aes smite each 11 ITEROUNTeeG Weed yASpeClesen ..2 25.2. ose secs oC ek we ec aiie ce 2% seine ad 15 Character of seeding dependent upon nature of region ....-.-.-.--..---------- 7 Pon Caan teu AS bURGR et fs anos ct pee eters aS Sam ise hes SoS Cele Bae a 18 ‘CHOU VULOTA) ca gre Oe SSCL ene me ee a ore gr gan 19 VUES aS. TU CEN VAG OFS VIER) Se, Si et oa ee ae eee ae gg 21 BSS UI TNIN AE cee eg ie te ech ed te eee OR TS De eee Sha a Se apes SSIS See 22 iD Ea HOV OA01 Sy 01 2) 2 ht az A ee RR a ge 24 [RYE BSE i SON ae err ee ale hs Ao Reo a eC 25 117 [LA Sap As Nise Puate I. Improved and unimproved native meadows in northeastern Califor- nia. Fig. 1.—Timothy and redtop established without cultiva- tion. Fig.2.—An unimproved valley similar to that shown in Il. Central California ranges. Fig. 1.—A sedgy, weedy mountain meadow where timothy and redtop will succeed. Fig. 2.—Foot- hills where introduced brome-grasses have taken possession... ....--- III. Native pastures in Kansas and Arizona. Fig. 1.—A native pasture in central Kansas where Kentucky bluegrass is gradually taking possession. Fig. 2.—A native pasture in Arizona during a favor- able season’ 2.).5222 42. bos Sots nee «ee Os eis oe eee eee 117 6 Page. 24 B. P. I.—313. THE RESEEDING OF DEPLETED RANGE AND NATIVE PASTURES INTRODUCTION. The most frequent inquiries referring to range management and improvement relate to the reseeding of native pastures which have been reduced in productiveness by neglect and mismanagement. The following pages, based upon observations and investigations covering a period of ten years, give only a brief summary of informa- tion. The subject is important to the entire country, for native or seminative pastures are common even in thickly settled communities of the East; but the discussion herein relates primarily to what was once the great free-grass country west of the Missouri River, which even in its most thickly settled areas still produces much forage upon virgin soil. POPULAR CONCEPTIONS OF RESEEDING RANGES. The very subject of reseeding presupposes a lack of cultivation or other artificial means of increasing feed production. It is often dif- ficult to draw a distinction between native and tame pastures, for when any improvement is made in an artificial way through tillage or reseeding the pasture becomes a tame pasture in proportion to the tillage and seed used. For the purposes of this discussion a liberal interpretation is adopted to permit a discussion of any grade of pasture up to a thoroughly tilled one of tame grasses. The opinion is prevalent in range sections that any improvement in native pastures ought to be and must be made by simply sowing seed and giving it no attention other than to pasture the crop that it produces. In other words, that a grass, a shrub, or some other forage plant should be found which when scattered among native vegetation will supplant that vegetation, at least in part. It is expected that plants may be introduced which will be better adapted to the prevailing conditions than those which have found lodgment there and managed to develop, continually becoming better adapted to the surrounding environment through past centuries. While such an accomplishment is not at all impossible, the chances are 10542—Bul. 117—07——2 7 § RESEEDING DEPLETED RANGE AND NATIVE PASTURES. many to one against success in such a venture. Plants introduced through seeding and allowed to shift for themselves seldom succeed, and success is attained in such cases only when they have particular characteristics and are placed under peculiarly suitable conditions. RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED. The State agricultural experiment stations located in the stock- range sections, some independently and some in cooperation with the Deprevene of Agriculture, have given much thought, and atten- tion to the feature of range improvement by eacodine in all its phases. The Department dione in a single year Saino and dis- tributed nearly four tons of seed of native grasses, which was mostly used in experiments in the improvement of native pasture lands. . It is working west- ward into the western plains region. (See PI. itl, fig. 1.) Its spread is due to no intentional assistance from man, but it is spreading, ney- ertheless, very rapidly under the grazing conditions obtaining in this region. The indications now are that all of the small draws and ravines of native pastures far into western Kansas and Nebraska will eventually be largely taken by this grass without any assistance. Farther east, in the brushy regions of Arkansas and Missouri, it spreads rapidly under the influence of such grazing as will keep in check the more aggressive native grasses and brush, and indeed is now the main pasture grass over large sections of this region, so firmly has it become established. It is entirely practicable to assist the spread of Kentucky bluegrass by seeding it upon uncultivated land. It should not be expected to furnish full stands in a short time. Indeed, it will take two, three, or four years to get a stand in favorable regions, and a proportionally longer time in other situations where the conditions of rainfall are less favorable. On the whole, fall seeding will probably give the best results, and light harrowing with a fine-tooth harrow will add to the success obtained. When there is sufficient rainfall in autumn to germinate the seed it will be profitable to sow then, if it can be done early enough to allow the grass time to become thoroughly established before the ground freezes; if not, then it should be seeded too late in the fall for germination during that season. In the western prairie States when it is desirable to supplant the native vegetation by blue- erass, the attempts should be first made in favored localities in creek 117 RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED. 15 and river bottoms and in draws and ravines where the lands are heavier and the moisture more abundant than upon the uplands. In central Kansas and Nebraska, and especially eastward, conditions are more favorable for success on the uplands still used for pasture purposes. On the whole, some of the standard forage plants mentioned have produced more permanent benefit in the improvement of native pastures and meadows than either of the other two classes. Their application, however, is limited to the conditions described. INTRODUCED WEEDY SPECIES. In certain sections of the United States aggressive annual plants have supplanted in a great measure the native vegetation and now furnish a large part of the feed on the uncultivated lands. Striking examples are found over large areas of California and Arizona and in the Columbia basin where the introduced plants are often much more abundant than the natives. It is a noticeable fact, however, that all of these introductions were purely accidental. All of the annual introduced weedy plants which are so prominent and many of which are so important from a forage standpoint in the floras of the regions mentioned have been introduced without conscious effort, although by the agency of man. Most prominent among these is alfilerilla, which is supposed to have been introduced from the Mediterranean region of Europe, but which apparently finds a more congenial home in America than in its original habitat. It is now found in both high and low altitudes of western America from the Canadian border to the hotter regions of southern Mexico. It is only in limited localities, however, that it has gained prominence. The conditions necessary for its best develop- ment appear to be mild, moist winter weather. Such conditions are furnished in portions of California especially. In southern Arizona the winters are mild enough, but the moisture is often lacking or improperly distributed, so that the crops produced fluctuate greatly. In some seasons small crops of hay of this plant may be cut in favor- able desert areas, but usually it furnishes but indifferent grazing. The crop of the spring of 1906 was the heaviest ever known. Its range of adaptability is shown by the fact that it matures in April upon the levels of the Salt River valley, while it may not mature until June upon the higher levels of the Colorado slope of the San Francisco Mountains. (See Pl. III, fig. 2.) No experiments yet conducted have been successful in introducing alfilerilla upon the ranges and having it care for itself and spread with any degree of rapidity, although many attempts have been made. Seedings made in the Santa Rita Mountains in the summer of 1906 117 } 16 .RESEEDING DEPLETED RANGE AND NATIVE PASTURES. germinated quite well the following winter, the first time, it is believed, that even this much has been definitely accomplished. The plant has, however, been spread apparently by sheep, and some ranchmen have made systematic efforts to spread it by methods of grazing, but there is very little, if any, definite knowledge at present as to the best way to handle the plant. The probability is that if seed is secured and scattered before a favorable season, success may be had in spreading it. The main consideration is to scatter the seed before a season favorable to its germination. Wild oats (Avena spp.), of which there are two species of impor- tance in California, forms, with alfilerilla, the most important feed in many sections. Like alfilerilla, little success has been had in attempts to spread either of the species on the range, although one of them occurs in abundance in cultivated lands in many sections of the United States and in other parts of the world. One of the species is sometimes found in the Huachuca, Santa Catalina, and other mountains of southern Arizona. Seed sown in the Santa Rita Mountains germinated in the winter of 1907 for the first time, although it was sown there on several previous occasions. Seeding with this grass will succeed better when it is covered with a harrow. Besides the grasses previously mentioned there is a group of brome- erasses (Bromus spp.) which have become exceedingly abundant in the Pacific coast country. These species furnish, on the whole, rather poor feed, but on account of their aggressiveness they are of a great deal of importance. The feed is of low grade for several reasons. These grasses mature in early summer and like nearly all annuals are of low nutritive value after maturity. The seeds of some species are very annoying to stock, especially sheep, and even when young, green, and succulent, the plants are pulled up by the roots and are consequently not easily grazed by stock. These brome- erasses have invaded the coast territory by the assistance of man, but in spite of his conscious intentions. While they furnish con- siderable feed, it is not only of an inferior quality, but some of the species cause considerable direct injury through crowding out plants of more value. (See Pl. II, fig. 2.) The shepherd has to remove his flocks from the tucolote (Bromus maximus) areas of California when the seeds ripen, on account of the injury done to the feet, mouths, and eyes of his flocks by the sharp-pointed seeds of these grasses. On the whole, it is doubtful whether the introduction of this species has not been a positive detriment to the stock interests of California. The crowding out of other plants and the injury done to stock in many cases at least more than counterbalance the value of the feed produced by it. In the same category with tucolote may be mentioned wall-barley (Hordeum murinum) which, when 117 CHARACTER OF SEEDING ‘DEPENDENT UPON REGION. 17% properly handled, makes a fair quality of hay and pasture, but is troublesome in meadows if allowed to mature before being cut. To this group of aggressive weedy annuals belongs the Russian thistle, which is such a menace in the prairie States upon cultivated lands. In portions of the Southwest, especially along the Santa Fe Railway in New Mexico and Arizona, it is spreading rapidly. While it is pernicious in the cultivated plains regions mentioned, it adds somewhat to the forage supply and probably interferes very little with valuable native species in the arid regions of small forage pro- duction. CHARACTER OF SEEDING DEPENDENT UPON NATURE OF REGION. To one who is familiar with the range country in general there are evident principles involved which can not but be recognized as fundamental in introductions of grasses of the kind considered in these pages. The introduced plants which have become conspicuous upon uncultivated sodded lands of this country are much less numerous than those which have become established upon unsodded lands. The plants which establish themselves in each section differ very radically in their habits of growth. The only. introduced forage plant which has become at all con- spicuous and aggressive in the prairie States in competition with the native plants is Kentucky bluegrass, which is a perennial and spreads of its own accord by running rootstocks rather than by seed. The plants which have become established in the unsodded, uncultivated Southwest and in the Columbia Basin are annuals requiring but a short period of growth for their development and having good seed habits. The Russian thistle, some of the mustards (Sisymbrium spp. and Brassica spp.), and other weeds are well established in cultivated fields, but they do not compete at all with native species. They per- sist in neglected fields and upon the prairies to some extent, but only in gopher knolls and other partially cultivated situations. They do not compete with the native vegetation on untouched prairie soils. On the other hand, no introduced perennials have become established and aggressive upon the unsodded soils of the Southwestern States. The nearest approach to their establishment is in the case of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Johnson grass (Sorghum halapense), but they become conspicuous only in favored localities and mostly in cultivated or partially cultivated fields and moist situations which are capable of being, if not actually, sodded. It seems, therefore, that the plants which have the best chances of becoming established without cultivation in the unsodded south- western soils are what are termed weedy annuals with good seed 17 18 RESEEDING DEPLETED RANGE AND NATIVE PASTURES. habits. As illustrations may be mentioned those which have become conspicuous over large areas, such as the brome-grasses, wild oats, and alfilerilla. The chances of introducing plants which will become aggressive on uncultivated sodded lands are much less than on unsodded areas. The two types of regions discussed in these pages are so entirely different in their vegetative characteristics that it is difficult even to compare them. One has normally a ground cover with a thick mat of plant roots in the greater part of the surface soil, while the other is very largely devoid of vegetation. During a portion of the year in the latter situations the vegetation is less dense and usually occurs in scattering bunches when perennial, with considerable vacant space between; and when annual it produces a very irregular crop, which grows only in favorable situations in normal years. The regions which are largely devoid of vegetation, it would seem, are better adapted to the growth of annual plants whose seeds may fall upon unoccupied areas and by their special contrivances for planting themselves become incorporated with the soil without the interfer- ence of grass and other roots which occur in a sodded region. Again, the unsodded Southwest, unlike the sodded northern plains, has different relations between its seasons of moisture and heat. The moist winter seasons here admit plants which will grow at comparatively low temperatures. The moisture is of such short duration that plants must pass through the vegetative state and mature seed in a comparatively short time, or else they will be destroyed by the followmg drought. Ordinary herbaceous plants . (valuable under grazing) are therefore more likely to be annuals here than perennials, for it is only those which have some special contrivance for water reserve that are able to withstand the hot dry season. The balance between conditions which produce annuals and those which produce perennials is, however, apparently slight. Upon low desert mesas may be found shrubs and annual plants almost entirely, while in the foothills, at slightly higher elevations, perennials and shallow-rooted plants, such as grasses, are abundant, although seldom producing even the semblance of a sod. The soil conditions are also decidedly different in the sodded and unsodded regions, which, without doubt, has a marked influence upon the nature of the turf. In the unsodded areas the soil is much younger, generally coarser, and lacking in humus. BURNING NATIVE PASTURES. There are certain regions where the burning of native pastures at regular intervals has been practiced for many years with apparently little injury. Indeed, there appears to be but little question that . 117 CULTIVATION. 19 this practice has been beneficial in some instances, though it would be most unfortunate in the present range regions. In some of the Eastern and Southern States, especially where the brome sedges (Andropogon spp.) are an important factor in the vegetation of old, permanent, and native pastures, it is doubtful whether any other method of handling would prove as productive. These grasses pro- duce strong, wiry, branching culms in late summer, which if left unburned or uncut would make it nearly impossible for stock to secure the young growth in the spring, while the growth of the previous year is of no value. As far west as central Kansas it is a common practice to burn pastures periodically. So far west, however, this practice is very ques- tionable because of the large numbers of other grasses which are injured by such treatment. The gramas (Bouteloua spp.), which are an important constituent of native pastures, from the eastern line of the Dakotas westward especially, are very readily injured by burn- ing, especially when the ground is dry, as it usually is in autumn in this region. It is a matter of common observation that native pas- tures where this practice obtains which have been repeatedly burned are very much reduced in the quantity of blue grama (Bouteloua oligostachya) which they produce, while the broom sedges (Andropo- gon spp.) produce as well as ever unless the pastures have been much overstocked. When burning is practiced it should be done when the ground is moist or frozen, so that as little injury as possible may be done to the roots of the grasses. The practice is a necessary evil at best. Mowing should be resorted to in removing the old dead stems of the species of Andropogon in preference to burning whenever it is possible. The burning of native pastures has no application to the general open range country. CULTIVATION. Considerable has been written concerning the beneficial effects of cultivation upon native pastures, but the practice has no application except upon small pastures in productive regions. A pasture requir- ing 20 acres to support a mature bovine animal for one year can not be profitably given even a light cultivation. Whether lands are benefited by a light harrowing or disking depends entirely upon the nature of the soil and the grasses composing the native vegetation. Loosening the soil lightly with a disk or fine-tooth harrow has beer proved to be beneficial in the prairie States of South Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska, and in other States farther east. Upon unsodded terri- tory in Arizona, where the Department of Agriculture in cooperation — with the Territorial University has experimented for several years along this line, disking has proved actually detrimental. A large part 117 20 RESEEDING DEPLETED RANGE AND NATIVE PASTURES. of the sparse perennial vegetation was destroyed by the disking, and this effect was noticeable for about two years. The plants which escaped killing by the disk were larger than common, but there was really less feed produced the succeeding season than on uncultivated lands adjoining. The use of a fine-tooth harrow on these lands pro- duced a slightly increased yield, but not enough by any means to pay for the labor. The fine-tooth harrow loosened the soil slightly without destroying the vegetation. In a large section of the prairie region, from the Dakotas southward, ground allowed to run back before the sod has been thoroughly sub- dued invariably comes up to a very greatly increased stand of western wheat-grass (Agropyron occidentale) without any seed being sown. Disking here always produces increased yields of grass, and the pastures being small and productive, the increase will compensate for the expense. Some experiments conducted by the Kansas Agricul- tural Experiment Station show conclusively the benefits to be derived from the cultivation of native pastures in the vicinity of Manhattan. Mr. W. J. Tod broke a 60-acre piece of prairie of raw blue-joint (Andropogon sp.) in March, 1884. That same season he took off a small crop of millet. In the autumn the ground was back-set and seeded to clover, timothy, bluegrasses, and orchard grasses. It is well known that breaking land in March in this region does not kill native grasses well. The result was that although the tame grasses supplemented the native feeds for a number of years—and persist even yet—it was the native grasses that were especially improved by the cultivation. It is estimated that this area has produced ever since an average increase of 50 per cent in forage over the untouched land surrounding, and people who put up hay for hire in the vicinity are willing to harvest this area for 25 cents a ton less than the sur- rounding country. But this region is productive. The land will support continuously and maintain its productiveness at the rate of one bovine animal to 4 acres for the summer grazing season. Here grazing is carried on during the summer season only, for the grasses do not cure well on account of the fall rains. In such a region the cultivation of lands held in native pasture can be made profitable. Indeed, a gain of 50 per cent can often be made, but, as stated, when the carrying capacity is low partial cultivation will not pay. In a large part of the range region cultivation is actually impos- sible owing to the roughness or stony character of the country. In some sections the soils are so sandy that loosening them would cause drifting. Again, in some mountain meadow regions the soil is of such a nature that it is likely to be washed badly when once the sur- face is disturbed. 117 WEEDS IN NATIVE PASTURES. aI - WEEDS IN NATIVE PASTURES. In connection with native pastures the term weed is of very uncer- tain meaning, for what is considered a weed in one section is often a valuable forage plant in another. It is a common saying upon the stock ranges that a steer will eat what he is obliged to eat. As an illustration may be mentioned the Mexican poppy (Lschscholtzia mexicana) of the Southwest. This would scarcely be considered a forage plant of any value whatever by one unfamiliar with southwest- ern conditions. However, one can not but be impressed with the amount of feeding done upon it by stock in southern Arizona. In the vicinity of a large inclosure in the Santa Rita Mountains this plant is grazed to the ground by cattle, while it grows to a foot or more in height in the protected area and can be recognized within this area by the brilhant color of its bloom thirty miles away. It would ordi- narily be considered of some value as a sheep feed, but it is not a weed in relation to cattle by any means. In productive native pastures of the Middle West or the central plains region certain plants, mainly of the golden-rod and sunflower families, often become quite troublesome in overgrazed areas. In the North these are represented by the golden-rod (Solidago rigida) ; farther south by several species of golden-rod and sunflower; and from Oklahoma southward into southern Texas by the broom-weed (Am- phiachyris drachunculoides). These plants assist in the demands made for burning pastures in some sections spoken of elsewhere; but a more effectual way of handling them is to mow them when in early bloom. This is extensively practiced in Kansas and Nebraska with good results. The plants here mentioned, which stock will not eat, are all natives which become troublesome under the artificial con- ditions brought about by handling stock upon native lands. There are but few introduced weeds which are common upon the stock ranges that are decidedly injurious. The brome-grasses, alfilerilla, wild oats, and others have been mentioned as being of decided value. Even the Russian thistle (Salsola kali-tragus), originally introduced into the prairie region where it never becomes troublesome in native pastures, is spreading in northern New Mexico and Arizona, but it is of some value upon these desert lands. In mountain regions there are several perennial weeds which do considerable damage and appear to increase with constant grazing. As examples may be mentioned dandelion (Taraxacum sp.), false hellebore (Veratrum sp.), yarrow (Achillea sp.), flag Uris sp.), and Wyethiasp. Even some of these are of some value as sheep feed. These all grow in mountain pastures and high valleys. Some of them can be handled by breaking up the ground and sowing to timothy and redtop. Others grow on lands which can not be cultivated, and it is doubtful whether they can 117 e 22 RESEEDING DEPLETED RANGE AND NATIVE PASTURES. be reduced by any practicable economic methods. On the edges of mountain meadows where the moisture is sufficient cultivation can be applied with economic benefit where the lands are under private control. To be brief, what can be done depends upon the locality and the conditions. In favored iocalities it will pay to resort to some of the methods mentioned in the preceding pages. Where the carrying capacity of the lands is low no methods of eradication of weeds will pay for the labor involved. All that can be done is to get out of the land all that it produces of valuable plants without the abuse of overgrazing and to utilize the weeds if it can be done, if not by cattle then possibly by sheep or goats. It must be borne in mind that the really troublesome range weeds are few in number and locally distributed and that a large percentage of the feed upon the ‘stock ranges to-day is produced by weeds. SUMMARY. (1) The introduced forage plants which have thus far become important upon range pastures in this country are few in number and without exception accidental in introduction. (2) Profitable partial cultivation of native pastures must be con- fined to productive areas in regions of sufficient rainfall to permit at least the occasional cultivation of some of the hardier crops. (3) The areas where reseeding methods on an economic basis are applicable extend to the western plains and are scattered through- out the mountains in meadows, high valleys, and other situations where the requisite moisture occurs. (4) Care should be exercised in the cultivation of moist mountain meadows lest the breaking of the turf should result in destructive erosion. (5) The most promising forage plants for the improvement of native pastures are Kentucky bluegrass as far west as the western plains region and as far south as the Bermuda and Johnson grass lands, and timothy and redtop for mountain meadows, high valleys, and other favorable situations having a loose friable soil containing a good’ supply of humus. Red, white, and alsike clovers and orchard grass are of value locally. These can be established with a minimum of cultivation. Seed may be sown either in late autumn or as the snow goes off in the spring. 117 Pa TS. DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. Pirate I. Improved and unimproved native meadows in northeastern California. Fig. 1.—Timothy and redtop established without cultivation in one of the high valleys of northeastern California. Fig. 2—An unimproved valley similar to that shown in figure 1. If the willows were cleared off and timothy and redtop sown they would take possession up to the sagebrush shown in the foreground. Puate II. Central California ranges. Fig. 1—A sedgy, weedy mountain meadow where timothy and redtop will succeed, but the turf must not be destroyed, for erosion would completely drain the meadow. Fig. 2.—Foothills where intro- duced brome-grasses have taken possession. Some of these are valuable; others are really an injury to the range. Puate III. Native pastures in Kansas and Arizona. Fig. 1.—A native pasture in central Kansas where Kentucky bluegrass is gradually taking possession. It appears first in such draws and depressions as are shown in this illustration. Fig. 2.—A native pasture in Arizona during a favorable season. Mexican poppy and Indian wheat make a good growth. Alfilerilla is spreading here gradually of its own accord. Experiments thus far have failed to produce economic results here. 117 24. Bul. 117, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture PrAnE I: Fic. 1.—TIMOTHY AND REDTOP ESTABLISHED WITHOUT CULTIVATION. FiG. 2.—AN UNIMPROVED VALLEY SIMILAR TO THAT SHOWN IN FIGURE 1. IMPROVED AND UNIMPROVED NATIVE MEADOWS IN NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA. - i ; ; i] \ v! Bul. 117, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agricuiture PLATE Il. Fig. 1.-—A SEDGY, WEEDY MOUNTAIN MEADOW WHERE TIMOTHY AND REDTOP WILL SUCCEED. Fig. 2.—FOOTHILLS WHERE INTRODUCED BROME-GRASSES HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION. CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RANGES. Bul. 117, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture PLATE III. Fic. 1.—A NATIVE PASTURE IN CENTRAL KANSAS WHERE KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS IS GRADUALLY TAKING POSSESSION. Fic. 2.—A NATIVE PASTURE IN ARIZONA DURING A FAVORABLE SEASON. NATIVE PASTURES IN KANSAS AND ARIZONA. INDEX. Page Achillea sp., troublesome weed in pastures, control.......-....------------- 21-22 Agriculture, Department, work in reseeding depleted ranges and pastures.. 8, 11,13 Agropyron occidentale, use on Black Hills, South Dakota..............----- 9,2 spicatum, use on denuded pastures, eastern Washington .....---- 10 Agrostis alba. See Redtop. Alfilerilla, introduction, climate adaptation, and spread......------------ 15-16, 18 Amphiachyris drachunculoides, troublesome weed in pastures, control... ---- FAI Andropogon spp., effect of burning pastures...-.- =. <.---..-2.....2.....-.0. 19 iz On awalilenill as useland SPleaGd sees see ose eee eee eee ere te cle aaielos cies 2 15-16 Avena spp., use for pasture in California and Arizona.........-------------- 16 Bermuda grass, establishment in pastures, Southwestern States.......-.----- 17 iblae nom, cultivation, beneficial effects. <_-5. 2s -=<-*— = 2222 3-462 eee. oe ee ee 12,13 use in sinks above alkaline soils under irrigation _.............----- 11 value and adaptation to mountain meadows.....------------- 11, 12-13; 22 Reseeding ranges, popular 'conceptions2 44s. 552s e ee eese eee eee 7-8 Results:accomplished: with native species! 4e252425225 202 2222 eee eee sid eultivatedispecies 2 4244202 oes see eee 11-15 introduced weedy speciess. 4. 225. ae ane e eee 15-17 Russian thistle, use for pasture, injurious qualities. ....-...........2--..-.-- 1752 Rye-grass, giant, seed habits, quality, and use for pasture lands.--....------- 10-11 Salsola kali-tragus, use for pasture, injurious qualities. .-.......---..-------- 17, 2 Seed, grasses, distribution by Department of Agriculture.............------- 8 perennial. grasses; difficulty of secure: =22)-o-- = esse oe ee 9 Seeding, character dependent upon nature of region .....-..---------------- 17-18 erass On snow in mountam meadows ee2- s+] -- eee eae eae eee 12 Sheep grazing, means/of Spreading alflertila 2-2-2) S222 5 seas ee eee 16 injuries from pasturing on Bromus maximus, or tucolote....-- ..----- 16 Sinks above alkaline soils, use of redtop and timothy under irrigation... .---- 1 Solidago rigida, troublesome weed in pastures, control..........------------ 21 Sorghum halapense, establishment in pastures in Southwestern States--.------ 17 117 INDEX. 27 Page. South Dakota, use of western wheat-grass in Black Hills.--.--.-...------- 9-10, 20 Spun sceaine OF MOUNTAIN MeACOWS. -.. 22-22-2452. -- csc cst cece esse else 12 re BUDRNA OPE CO IM 6) 01 ep ee fe 22 Taraxacum sp., troublesome weed in pastures, control .......--:-...-.------ 21 ‘Wiest. [RSTO 2 PR A eas es tein eR See hy eta oe SR tes ee a Ae, Timothy on willow lands in Okonogan Valley, Washington.--.. -----.------ 13 use in sinks above alkaline soils under irrigation. ........-.-------- 11 value and adaptation to mountain meadows. .-..------------ 11, 12-18, 22 PNCOlO Lewin UN OUsELO;SMeeDRm ao oa = aoe ee ee he tee ee nee eee ee = 16 Veratrum sp., troublesome weed in pastures, control._.......--------------- 21-22 Wall-barley, value as hay and injurious qualities _..........---.------------ 16-17 Washington, eastern, use of bunch-grass on denuded pastures..-.---.----.--: 10 Okonogan Valley, use of timothy on willow lands...--.....---- 13 Wiecdsuni mative pastures: use asHeed). _ 42 8--eteee esses sec ocsesccns oes. o-=5 21-22 troublesome in pastures, methods of control.....---.-..----------.--- 21-22 Weedy species of forage plants, introduction and spread.........--------- 15-17, 18 Wheat-grass, western, use on Black Hills, South Dakota.-.-..-.---.------- 9-10, 20 Sylow: lands: adaptation. totimothiyos a: aces saeee eee aoe oe ses Sk kL 12-13 Wyman es timothy, PAStUTeS, WAClGs = Se oe Gee eee sete se oe Salvin a osinicle Sc cee it W yethia sp., troublesome weed in pastures, control Yarrow, troublesome weed in pastures, control 117 O 21-22 21-22 LE Mr ’O8 ve? ae oaths vy ie ny ay = i hs ‘ ee 7 ap dy RA — we re ‘ he oy ‘uate kane a : rua ; ae re me : = S ives fA. 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