Bahia grass
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Pasture type and use | Perennial spring / summer / autumn growing grass. Grazing. Ground cover in horticulture. |
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Area of adaptation | North Coast, North West Slopes, Northern Tablelands. |
Min. average annual rainfall | 700 mm — summer incidence. |
Advantages |
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Disadvantages |
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Soil requirements | Well-drained, light-textured, low to medium fertility. High tolerance to acid soils. |
Varieties |
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Sowing rate | 1–2 kg/ha |
Sowing time | Summer, early autumn. |
Companion species | Wynn round-leafed cassia (North West Slopes and North Coast). Sub clover, serradella, white clover. |
Inoculation | N/A |
Major nutrient deficiencies | Nitrogen, phosphorus. |
Main insect pests | No significant problems. |
Main diseases | No significant problems. |
Management | Needs heavy grazing to maintain reasonable quality, especially in late summer and autumn. |
Livestock disorders of particular note | Not known if there is a risk of nervous ergotism (‘staggers’). |
Additional tips | Takes 2–3 years to develop into a dense pasture. Has been successfully surface-sown into sparse pasture. Do not sow on fertile soils (weed potential). |
Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.
Photo: Warren McDonald, Former Technical Specialist (Pastures), NSW Agriculture, Tamworth