Family: Poaceae
Genus: Paspalum
Species: notatum
Origin: South America
Perennial

Bahia grasses growth habits range from area to area as soil types and fertilization rates change. Here in Mississippi it is grown on over one million acres across the state. Mostly in the southern and central regions. It is a main stay in south Mississippi as it can only survive but thrives in the droughty, sand infested soils that have a lower than average pH.

Bahiagrass should be planted in rates of 15 pounds per acre if a stand will be allowed to reseed for the next year. It can be planted at a rate of 30 pounds/acre if a grazeable stand is expected the first year. Bahiagrass should be planted in the fall with annual ryegrasses on a well-prepared seedbed and covered lightly then cultipacked. Also bahiagrass can be planted in the same fashion in the spring of the year between February and June and grazed in the early fall of that same year.

Bahiagrass is best adapted to a sandy soil. It can either be of good drainage or droughty areas. This is the reason that it is so well adapted to the areas of growth.

Most weeds that infest Bahiagrass pastures are broadleaf in kind. Also other grasses will infest pastures of pure bahiagrass stands. All information says to spray when weeds are young. This will have the greatest impact on weed control. Any broadleaf weed control can be used, as bahiagrass is very tolerant to sprayings.

Bahiagrass is best suited for grazing. Its growth is moderate to fast. It matures exceptionally fast which makes it less than suitable for hay production. Bahiagrass in a rotatinal grazing situation can really show some definite improvements over native grasses. By grazing it down closely and then moving livestock to give the forage a break, it will be utilized to its fullest potential. Yields of 5 to 5.5 tons per acre can be expected if a high level of management is maintained. Hay can be taken from bahiagrass pastures if strict management is followed. It must be fertilized at a rate of 200 pounds of actual N per acre. pH should be maintained around 6.0. For every ton of hay removed, 30 pounds of potash is also removed. This should be replenished to keep a viable stand.

References:
Royes, J.B.; Brown, W.F.; Martin, F.G.; Bates, D.B. "Source and level of energy supplementation for yearling cattle fed amminiated hay." Journal of Animal Science. May 2001. v.79(5) p. 1313-1321.

Hensler, K.L.; Baldwin, B.S.; Goatley, J.M. Jr. "Comparing seeded organic-fiber mat with direct soil seeding for warm-season turfgrass estblishment." HortTechnology. Apr/June 2001. v.11(2) p.243-248