RANCHING
What Plant is Important in May? Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
J
OHNSONGRASS IS A TALL, VIGOROUS, PERENNIAL grass with wide-leaf blades. It was originally imported to the U.S. from
Turkey as forage for livestock and ero- sion control projects. It is widely adapted throughout the southern states and is used for hay and grazing. • Reproduces from seed and has a very aggressive root system that thrives in a wide variety of soils
• Can often reach a height of more than 6 feet
• Considered an unwanted pest in culti- vated fi elds and hay meadows.
• Seed is used by several species of birds and its dense foliage can provide cover for many species of wildlife Johnsongrass may be a health hazard
to grazing livestock because it can cause prussic acid poisoning during times of stress such as drought, frost or periods of fast growth. It should be avoided during these times, if possible. Johnsongrass is a sorghum, and may
cause a serious health problem known as sorghum cystitis if grazed by horses, so it should be avoided by equines. Management of Johnsongrass is similar
to management of many of the tall grasses because it cannot survive continuous graz- ing by livestock. It responds well to ground disturbance and can be easily renovated with plowing and nutrient applications. Johnsongrass can also be easily controlled with a timely application of herbicide in areas where it is not wanted.
44 The Cattleman May 2015
Editor’s note: Kent Ferguson, retired rangeland management special- ist from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is providing us with plant identifi cation photo stories to help ranchers identify those forbs, forages and species growing in the pastures. Additional photos provided by USDA NRCS, and USDA.
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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