The Chemical Composition of Andropogon Virginicus and Danthonia Spicata at Successive Growth Stages 1

Large areas of the less fertile meadow and grazing lands of the eastern United States are more or less liberally sprinkled, dotted, or covered with two species of wild pasture grasses, viz., Andropogon virginicus, commonly called broomsedge, and Danthonia spicata, locally known as "poverty grass" or "mo6nshine grass." Both grasses are generally despised by farmers and stockmen as indicative of poor soil and low grazing capacity. Without doubt, they merit, at least in part, the low esteem in which they are held. Yet they frequently maintain an existence and even flourish where more highly prized species would fail. Observations indicate that under certain conditions at present not well understood, Kentucky bluegrass and white clover follow in ecological succession, crowding out the less desirable broomsedge and poverty grass after the latter have run their course over a period of years. But irrespective of our regard or lack of regard for them, their presence over such widespread areas demands consideration and raises the question of how best to utilize, if utilization is indeed possible, the plants already established.