Buffel grass

Buffel grass
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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 summer-growing, erect, tussocky grass. Main production late spring, summer, autumn. Grazing.
Area of adaptation	Upper Western, northern half Central West Plains, North West Plains and western section of North West Slopes.
Min. average annual rainfall	180 mm
Advantages	Survives in the low-rainfall zone, is drought-tolerant, and responds quickly to rain. Provides pasture species choice in our drier regions.
Disadvantages	Can invade and compete with native pastures. Moderate palatability. The fluffy seed is difficult to sow. Frost-sensitive.
Soil requirements	Light to medium-textured soils. Biloela adapted to heavier clays. Reasonable fertility is required for production.
Varieties	Select varieties on the basis of plant habit, maturity, and adaption to soil type. Tall: Biloela - late maturing, suitable for heavier textured soils. Intermediate height: Bella * - late maturing, suitable for light to medium textured soils, good spring production. Viva * - late maturing, suitable for light to medium textured soils, good spring production. * Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights. Short: Gayndah - matures mid season, suitable for light to medium textured soils. American - early maturing, suitable for light to medium textured soils.
Sowing rates:	as only species - 2–3 kg/ha in mixtures - 0.5–2 kg/ha
Sowing time	Spring to late summer, depending on period of most reliable summer rainfall.
Companion species	Medics, sub clover or lucerne, depending on district.
Inoculation	N/A
Major nutrient deficiencies	Nitrogen and phosphorus.
Main insect pests	Buffel grass seed caterpillar.
Main diseases	Ergot
Management	Avoid grazing in the first year until seed-set. Light stands can be thickened up by allowing to seed and spelling after summer rains.
Livestock disorders of particular note	Frequently hyperparathyroidism (‘big head’) in horses, occasionally nephrosis or hypocalcaemia in ruminants, due to oxalates. This genus can occasionally accumulate dangerously high levels of selenium when grown on some soil types.
Additional tips	Source seed that is weed-free, particularly from parthenium weed.

Acknowledgments

The contribution of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries is gratefully acknowledged.

Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.