Johnson grass is similar to Bermuda grass in that it also spread rapidly and aggressively by rhizomes, and very effectively by seeds (one plant can produce over 5000 seeds per year and these seeds can lay dormant in the soil for over 20 years, so cutting the seed head before seed maturity is really important). The plant was introduced from the Mediterranean as a gift to a Mississipi plantation owner over 150 years ago to use as hay. A major problem is that under stress it will produce an acid that is poisonous to livestock. It also releases a natural toxin from its root system that prevent other plants from growing close to it, a natural herbicide, so to speak. It has a shallow root system that does not do anything to aerate the soil or to improve drainage as prairie grass does. It grows very tall, completely smother other plants and "it has literally destroyed millions of acres and bankrupted thousands of family farmers in its march across the land. Suffolk County in West Virginia has made it against the law to have even a single Johnson Grass plant on your land because it is so destructive to farmland." You can read more about it at http://www.seedsource.com/medicine/curse.htm.
I know that one of permaculture mantra is that "the problem is the solution", but I I don't think using Johnson grass as a natural herbicide to get rid of my other "weed" problem in my garden would be a very wise strategy. And both weeds are not that edible.
In any case, when LL mentioned that he got rid of Johnson grass and Bermuda grass, my ears perked up, because they are very serious non-native invasive pests that are surrounding and attempting to invade my garden.
I am still interested in hearing his approach as well as anybody else's practical suggestions.
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