rth Carolina Experiment Station]

Beggar weed will grow on almost any kind of soil reasonably free from an
excess of ground moisture. Its power to grow on poor and light soils,
even light enough to lift with the wind, is very considerable. Its
highest use will probably be found on soils so light and sterile that
better forms of useful vegetation are not easily grown on them.

It can scarcely be called a rotation plant, since it more commonly grows
in the wild form, and on lands so poor as to be considered unprofitable
for regular cropping. But when cultivated, it should be followed by some
crop that can make a good use of the nitrogen left in the soil in the
tubercles formed on the roots of the beggar weed plants.

The soil does not, as a rule, require deep stirring when preparing it
for beggar weed. This fact finds demonstration in the ability of the
plants to re-seed the ground when grown for grazing.

The seed is usually sown in the Gulf States late in March or early in
April. It germinates slowly, and the plants make the most vigorous
growth after the weather becomes warm. The seed is more commonly
scattered broadcast, but may be drilled in, and at distances that will
or will not admit of cultivation as may be desired. Thick seeding is
preferable to prevent coarseness and woodiness in the growth of the
plants. Not less than 10 pounds of hulled seed per acre should be sown
in the broadcast form when sown for hay. When sown in drills, less seed
is required, but usually the seed is sown broadcast. In the hulled form,
in which the seed is more commonly sold, according to Professor H. H.
Hume, the measured bushel weighs 60 to 64 pounds, and with the hulls on,
from 10 to 40 pounds, the average weight, as purchased by dealers, being
about 20 pounds. The cleaned seed bears considerable resemblance to
clover seed.

All kinds of farm stock, as cattle, horses, mules, sheep and even swine,
are said to do well when grazing on beggar-weed pastures in the summer
and autumn. They do not usually graze it closely after it has been well
started, owing to the woody character of the stems. When thus cropped
back, it starts out afresh, and thus continues to produce grazing until
the arrival of frost. It is said that the pasture is of but little value
in winter. One strong point, however, in favor of such pastures, is the
ability of the plants to re-seed the land when not grazed too closely,
and thus to perpetuate the grazing from yea