Bahiagrass | |
| Species: | Bahiagrass |
| Scientific Name: | Paspalum notatum |
| Cultivars: | Pensacola, Tifton 9, (diploid cultivars); Paraguay 22, Wilmington, and Argentine (Tetraploid cultivars). Two new diploid cultivars are Tifquik (released in Georgia, and named after its quick germination), and UF Riata (released in Florida with cold adaptation and extended winter growth); however, seed from UF Riata will be available in September 2009. |
| Growth Habit: | Sod type (prostrate, stoloniferous) |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial |
| Origin: | South America |
| Production Season: | April to October |
| Nutritive Value: | Varies depending on management and variety. Usually, low to medium crude protein,low to medium digestibility. |
| Use: | Grazing, sod, hay; crop rotations |
| Herbarium Image: | For an herbarium image click this link. |
Adaptation | |
| Soil: | Sandy-loam to sandy |
| pH: | 5.0 to 6.5; 5.5 (target ). At pH greater than 6.5 the grass shows chlorosis and stunned growth |
| Rainfall: | 35+ inches. Tolerant to periodic flooding or high water table |
| Temperature: | Warm-season, tropical conditions. Most productive at 75-86°F |
Management | |
| Planting Date: | March (if irrigated) or Summer (June to August; if rainfed) |
| Planting Depth: | < 1/4 inch |
| Seeding Rate: | 25 to 30 lb/acre |
| Seed Cost: | Pensacola ($1.3/lb, $31 to 38/acre); Argentine
($3/lb, $96 to 116/acre); Tifton 9 ($5/lb,
$125 to 150/acre); UF-Riata $5/lb, ($125 to
150/acre). UF-Riata seed will be commercially available in September. |
| Fertilization: | Low input system: 50 lb N/acre/yr only; P2O5
as per soil and tissue test; No Potassium
Medium input system: 100 lb N/acre/year; P205 as per recommendation based on soil and tissue tests; or tissue P is less than 0.15%, and 50 lb K20/acre/year. High input system: 160 lb N/acre/year (80 lb N/acre in spring + 80 lb N/acre in fall), P205, and K20 as per soil and tissue test recommendation. Additional info click this link |
| Production: | 3000 to 8000 lb/acre. Grazing: 2.5-5 acre/cow- calf pair year round |
Notes | |
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| Click on photo to view full size. |