Facts about warm-season grasses. / Sharp Brothers Seed Company



	Facts about warm-season grasses. Several species of warm-season grasses are native to the eastern two-thirds of the United States. Warm-season grasses are often more productive on poorer soils than are cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses use less water to produce equal or greater amounts of tonnage as cool-season grasses. Thus, they are more efficient and more productive in the hot, dry months. Warm-season grasses are desirable for the landowner because high volume forage production is combined with the creation of superior habitat for several wildlife species. This can be accomplished without compromising the economic operation of the farm or ranch. Once established, warm-season grasses require very little maintenance. Warm-season grasses use nitrogen more efficiently than cool-season grasses, making additional control over erosion. Properly managed and maintained warm-season grasses should not need replanting. Poor stands are rejuvenated by suing the proper management practices. Dense, vigorous stands should not need weed control. Warm-season native grasses are tolerant of soil extremes. A pH level that is above or below neutral can be tolerated. WARM-SEASON GRASSES AND FORBS FOR WILDLIFE There is a growing awareness by individuals and conservation agencies of the need to "do something" to help the diminishing wildlife populations. Every year, thousands of acres of wildlife habitat are either being destroyed or altered to the point that they no longer will support wildlife populations. In many areas, native warm-season grasses and forbs are being planted to provide the high quality habitat necessary for most species of wildlife. What can native warm-season grasses and forbs do for wildlife? To answer this question, we must understand the needs of all the wildlife species. WATER: All wildlife requires water within their home range. Grasses do not provide water per se, but the sod-forming quality of warm-season grasses holds the moisture, preventing excessive run-off. The water-laden soil can then allow the seepage of excesses into free-flowing streams or depressions, thus creating a water source for wildlife. Big Bluestem plants often have roots that extend 12 feet more into the soil. Such root structures, along with the mulch afforded by stands of Little Bluestem can significantly affect both the water quantity and quality. FOOD: A food source must be available year round. A plant which provides food in the early spring and summer may have no value in the winter. Many birds and animals depend on seeds for winter survival and for building up fat reserves. These reserves must carry the animal through the stress of winter and through the rigors of the breeding season in the spring. An acre of warm-season grasses (Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Switchgrass, Side-oats Grama) and forbs produces many pounds of seed during a normal growing season. This would supply a large amount of the winter food needs. Couple this with the hgih insect density of such plantings of native grasses and another source of food for upland birds is added. Persistent hard seed sources located in close proximity to a heavy woody cover will insure survival during most winters for prairie wildlife. Season food from cropland and post-harvest wastes fill some needs. Seeds from warm-season grasses supply additional food, thus providing year-round food sources. Sharp Brothers Seed Co. 396 SW Davis St. - LaDue Clinton, Missouri 64735 Phone: 1-800-451-3779 or Phone: 1-660-885-7551 Contact: General inquiries use our contact form. Also visit Sharp Bros. Healy's website at www.sharpseed.com Copyright © 2004 Sharp Brothers Seed Co. Produced by i4Market, LLC