Fannin Soil & Water Conservation District

NEWSLETTER

Volume 11

Fall 2004

Number 2-3

Merriman Forage Grass Tour

Don  Merriman of the Ector community decided to plant grasses on the rolling fields of his farm bordering the east bank of Caney Creek.  The seedbed preparation began in 2003 with deep plowing and repeated surface cultivations to develop a fine, clod-free seedbed.

He chose three different plantings including a mix of Eastern Gama and Alamo switch grass, WW-B. Dahl Old Blue Stem, and a sprigged field of Greenfield hybrid Bermuda. He followed soil test analyses in applying plant nutrients and NRCS recommendations for seeding rates.  The following photos tell the story.

Don Merriman, (center) host of a forage grass tour on September 30, discusses the strategy he used to get the excellent growth on the Alamo switch grass in the background.  Jerry Bell, formerly with the Federal Land Bank and Troy Ashby of the AGRI-LAND Farm Credit Services, Bonham, take notes

Darrell Helm, Collin County SWCD, (L) and Dan Webster (R) local land owner check seed production on the switch grass.

Sam Stewart and Emily Wiggington, USDA-NRCS, show the height of the switch grass. This grass shows promise of a good forage for the area.

Jerry Jones, Dick Folsche and Jerry Chambers discuss the potential of the Switch grass for cover for deer and other wildlife. Don Merriman reported that deer were foraging in the grass.  These three are promoting a cooperative of land owners north of Savoy and Ector to set up a wildlife management system which will improve wildlife habitat.

This upland area on the Merriman Farm has received no special treatment, just cut for hay.  The grass is typical in abandoned cropland with three awn grass prevalent.   The next photo, located just across old fence row, shows the excellent results of the WW-B. Dahl Old World Bluestem planting.

This Greenfield Bermudagrass on the Merriman Farm was sprigged in the spring of this year. It is showing good growth.