Bahia grass: a dual-purpose crop

This perennial pasture improves the condition of the soil and provides good grazing for sheep, in particular, and cattle.

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Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is a summer-growing perennial grass that develops stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems).

It is best suited to sandy loam soil and tolerates low fertility and low pH. It grows well in soils with acidic pH from 4,5 to 6,,5 and the optimal soil pH is 5,5. At a pH greater than 6,5, the grass becomes stunted.

P. notatum survives well in soil susceptible to drought, where it presents a more open stand to compensate for the low moisture available. It grows vigorously in high temperatures and when day lengths are long, and herbage production is greatest from October to April.

More than 85% of production takes place during the six warmest months (October to March).

The most popular cultivars are Pensacola, Tifton 9, TifQuik, and UF-Riata. These are diploid, whereas Paraguay, Argentine, and ‘common’ are tetraploids, according to Dr Wayne Truter et al in their article on Bahia grass for Grain SA.

Reproduction takes place by seed, and the grass spreads via short, heavy stolons.

It is best to establish this species in November. However, if irrigation is available, you can plant the grass as early as September.

PRODUCTION