Bahia grass

NOTE: The information in this Agnote must be read in conjunction with Introduction to selecting and using pastures in NSW, which covers information on areas of adaptation, sources of variability, species mixtures, and important issues related to animal health and the conservation of native vegetation.
Pasture type and use Perennial spring / summer / autumn growing grass. Grazing. Ground cover in horticulture.
Area of adaptation North Coast, North West Slopes, Northern Tablelands.
Min. average annual rainfall 700 mm — summer incidence.
Advantages
  • Tolerant of very heavy grazing pressure.
  • Very drought-tolerant.
  • Will grow and survive on low-fertility soils.
  • Very competitive, good for weed control.
  • Spreads from seed.
  • Good shade tolerance.
  • Very persistent.
Disadvantages
  • Poor winter growth and feed quality.
  • Difficult to maintain legume in pasture.
  • Potential weed on fertile soils.
  • Slow to establish.
Soil requirements Well-drained, light-textured, low to medium fertility. High tolerance to acid soils.
Varieties
  • Argentine — moderate frost tolerance, moderately palatable.
  • Pensacola — poor frost tolerance, low palatability, greater weed potential.
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).

Acknowledgments

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