• Topics: Agronomy | Newman, Yoana Cecilia | Forages: Quick References series | Bahiagrass as Forage

Bahiagrass: A Quick Reference¹

In Florida, bahiagrass is the most planted warm-season perennial. Two-thirds of improved pastures are planted with bahiagrass because of its excellent adaptation, ease of management, persistence under low fertilization and close grazing, as well as its relatively simple planting.

Origin

Native to South America, to equivalent latitude to that of northern Florida

Use

Most of the acreage is used for grazing, with some hay and sod production, and production of seed harvested from pastures. Prospective growers need to be aware of the limitations in quality and quantity compared with other forage options.

Adaptation

pH: 5.5 to 6.5. High pH (approximately > 6.5) will start negatively affecting production.

Soil: Low to high fertility; sand to clay, dry to wet Rainfall: > 35 inches

Climate: Subtropical and humid regions; coastal plains

Management Practices

Planting date: March (if irrigated) or during summer (June-August; rainy season)

Planting rate: 15 lb/acre or 25-30 lb/acre (low rates will have more initial competition with weeds).

Planting depth: 1/4 – 1/2 inch maximum. A common mistake is to plant it too deep.

Fertilization

Planting: As soon as plants have emerged, apply 30 lb Nitrogen (N)/acre, all phosphorus (P₂0₅) and 50% of potassium (K₂0) recommended in soil test. 30-40 days later, apply rest of the potassium plus 70 lb N/acre.

Grazing:

Low input system: 50 lb N/acre/yr only; P₂0₅ as per recommendation based on soil and tissue tests; no phosphorus (P₂0₅), and no potassium (K₂0).

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.

Hay: 80 lb N/acre/cut + P₂0₅, and K₂0 as per soil test recommendation. Do not apply any fertilizer after mid-August.

Seed production: In hay fields, same recommendation as above. If grazing, 60-80 lb N/acre in Feb or Mar, when seed heads appear remove cattle and apply 60-80 lb N/acre.

Weed Control

Seedlings are susceptible to phenoxy-type herbicides (2,4-D or Banvel); spray only when plants are 8 inches tall.

Pensacola-type (Pensacola, Tifton 9, UF-Riata, and TifQuick) bahiagrass will be severely injured by metsulfuron herbicide (examples are MSM 60, Cimarron Xtra, and others).

Pests and control

Mole crickets. Control with nematode biological control applications, and also biologically with the Larra wasp that is attracted to the shrubby buttonweed (Spermacoe verticillata).

Additional Information

Please visit the Forages of Florida website for additional information on Bahiagrass or any other pasture or forage-related topic. You can access it by typing Forages of Florida in Google, or click the link below.

Bahiagrass. Forages of Florida website http://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/ForagesofFlorida/detail.php?sp=Bahiagrass&type=G

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The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.

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