NATIVE WARM SEASON GRASSES - "A DUAL PURPOSE APPROACH"
Extension Education
Creig Kimbro
EXTENSION AGENT III
University of Tennessee Extension
COALMONT
Abstract
\r\n Native warm season grasses have grown naturally in Tennessee since before man walked across the volunteer state. These grasses were indigenous to many states across the U.S and provided some food, great cover, and nesting habitat for a vast host of wildlife species. Due to urbanization, lack of controlled burning, and the introduction of some of the more prevalent cool season grasses such as fescue, many of the native warm season grasses have slowly disappeared across the landscape. The University of Tennessee Extension has continually educated landowners and cattle producers on the benefits of native warm season grasses. Due to several years of prevailing drought across the Southeast, native warm season grasses have become the perfect match as a “dual purpose” grass. After establishment, many native warm season grasses have a tendency to be a little hardier to dry weather because of their ability to produce deep roots. UT Extension cooperatively partnered with one Grundy County hay producer and wildlife enthusiast to create a model “dual purpose” native warm season grass plot. The plot is being used to capture the true idea of having an alternative hay crop during times of unfavorable conditions or growing seasons while at the same time providing a partial benefit to wildlife on his farm. As a result, farmers in the area are finding ways to incorporate native warm season grasses into their hay rotations while at the same time noticing the true benefit these grasses provide to declining populations of some ground nesting birds.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: C.C. Kimbro
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Kimbro, C. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 37313