1971


BAHIAGRASS IN FL(


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figure I-Argentine, Pensacola and Common Bahiagrass




D. W. Jones








COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
GAINESVILLE







BAHIAGRASS IN FLORIDA
D. W. Jones
Associate Agronomist
Common bahiagrass (Paspalum notatu
Flugge) was introduced into the United Stat
in 1913 from Brazil and planted in tests of t
Florida Agricultural Experiment Station th
year. Several later introductions of improve
types were made, and in the late 1950's and ear
1960's hybrid bahiagrasses were released.
Bahiagrasses can be grown almost anywhe
in the Coastal Plain region of the Southeas
They are adapted to a wide range of soils a
once a sod is established can be maintained ev
at extremely low fertility levels. In Florida, the
grasses are being grown throughout the enti
state for pasture, forage and turf.
These grasses can provide pasturage during
the warm season (Figure 2.). They are drougi
resistant and can be grown on extremely wel
drained locations. Legumes can be grown i
stands of bahiagrass (Figure 3.) and this practice
is suggested where legumes are adapted.
VARIETIES
Pensacola is the most widely grown variety.
was found growing in Pensacola, Florida in 193
by Ed Finlayson, County Agent of Escambi.
County at that time. Like the other bahias, thi
grass has a very fibrous root system that is capa
ble of penetrating the soil to depths of seven:
feet or more. This variety has long, narrow
leaves and taller seed stalks than most othe

Figure 2---Cattle grazing a Pensacola Bahiagrass Pasture