MISCELLANEOUS GRASS AND LEGUME EVALUATIONS ON THE SOUTHERN INDIANA FORAGE FARM
Research Progress Report 60
April 1963, Project 807
Maurice E. Heath and C. J. Kaiser, Agronomy Department
The sandstone-shale soils offer a much more difficult environment (cornwise) than the more productive soils of central and northern Indiana. This study is an attempt to find plant species or variants within species that may have greater soil and climatic adaptation than crop species and varieties now available. On these steep and rolling soils the first need is sufficient plant cover to dissipate the raindrop energy (45 inches rainfall annually)and control soil loss and secondly a forage or a combination of forages acceptable to the animal.
Since 1954, 747 grass and legume accessions, including many species from diverse sources, have been planted in small plots on the Forage Farm and observed as to adaptation and stand longevity. Where there was sufficient seed or plant parts, the original plot area was 8 X 12 feet; otherwise a smaller area was used. The seed were broadcast on a prepared seedbed. The plots were mowed as necessary during the establishment year to reduce light and moisture competition from weedy plants. Those grasses and legumes that expressed promise were included in advance evaluation plantings. The performance of some of the more promising species and accessions are discussed.
Perennial Legumes
Crownvetch (Coronilla varia) is an underground creeping herbaceous legume that has shown considerable spread on the more favorable roadslope soil sites on the Forage Farm. Plots 10 feet wide seeded in the spring of 1954 have now spread to 30 feet.
The greatest density of mowable plant cover of the 24 grass and legume species tried is the crownvetch-tall fescue combination.

In 1957 crownvetch was seeded in combination with each of 5 common forage grasses to observe its growth response under grazing. A fair stand resulted but has thinned each year under grazing. The plants appear to lack vigor of growth when grazed. Presently, only a few scattered plants remain (1/4 acre trial area).
Sericea lespedeza.(Lespedeza cuneata) has produced excellent stands and is long lived under a one cut system of management. Of the grasses tried with sericea the Black-well switchgrass combination produced the heaviest cover followed by tall fescue. Presently two varieties with reported lower tanin are being compared with common and the Arlington variety in an animal acceptability observation. All varieties are combined with tall fescue.
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), found growing on the Ollie Flick farm in Orange County, was planted on a north roadslope exposure in the spring of 1954. It has demonstrated winter hardiness, and new growth has been produced on old vine wood 6 to 8 feet from the crowns. Presently the vine growth completely dominates all shrubs and trees in the immediate area. This planting is giving 100 percent roadslope stabilization and protection. Kudzu is considered a pest in managed woodlands. Therefore, it should not be planted where it may become an escape in farm woods. It is highly acceptable to cattle and will not survive under continuous grazing.
Zigzag clover (Trifolium medium) is an underground creeping perennial with spring growth and bloom similar to red clover. It produces very little seed. Zigzag has been observed under mowing management since
PURDUE UNIVERSITY • Agricultural Experiment Station • Lafayette, Indiana