Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum)

Plant Characteristics: Perennial warm-season grass very distinctive by the J-shaped purplish rhizomes. The seed head has 2 or spikes attached at the a common point.

Establishment: Bahiagrass is well adapted to the central and southern part of the state. Very tolerant to drought and poor drainage conditions. Bahiagrass can be established from March to April at a rate of 15 to 20 lb/ac. Bahiagrass should be planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.

Fertilization: Adapted to sandy and sandy loam soils. Tolerant to low fertility and soil acidity, but is extremely competitive, making it difficult to grow in mixtures with legumes. Best adapted to soil pH between 5 and 7. Bahiagrass has a good response to nitrogen and potassium. Apply 50 lb N/ac after each grazing period or hay cut. Each ton of hay removes about 30 pounds of potassium per acre. Inadequate potassium results in low hay yields, especially if hay is harvested from the same pasture for several years.

Grazing/Hay Management: Bahiagrass could be used for pasture or hay. Most forage production occurs from April to October with yields ranging from 2.5 to 5 lb/ac. It could be used for continuous grazing and can tolerate close grazing. It could be overseeded with small grains or annual ryegrass for winter forage.

Forage Quality:

Varieties/Cultivars: Common, Pensacola, Tifton 9, Argentine, Paraguy.