Soils in the southeast have low organic matter content, low native fertility, and low water holding capacity which has resulted in stagnant yields. Long term studies across the country (Morrow, Sanborn, Magruder, Old Rotation [Auburn]) have shown that land coming out of long term perennial grasses often has an organic matter content of over 4% and decreases as it stays in continuous annual cropping and levels off after 80-100 years once the level reaches about 1 1/2% with use of conservation tillage, cover crops, proper rotation, and modern fertility practices. Years of research in the southeast have shown that perennial grasses such as bahiagrass can help improve soil structure and reduce pests such as nematodes and increase crop yields, sometimes dramatically. Research in the southeast with this perennial grasses grown in rotation with crops has shown higher yields (50% more groundnuts than under conventional annual cropping systems), increased infiltration rates (more than 5 times faster), higher earthworm numbers (thousands per acre vs. none in many cases), and a more economically viable (potential for 3-5 times more profit) cropping system. Diversification into livestock can add another dimension to the farming system making it more intensive and provide a readily available use for perennial grasses.
