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Bermudagrass Production Guidelines
Establishment |
- Hybrids are planted from May to mid June with sprigs at 10 bushels per acre in rows or broadcast at 25 to 40 bushels per acre. Sprig Varieties-Midland, Tifton 44, Vaughn's No. 1. (Vaughn is grown in TN and sells clippings that are broadcast in a manure spreader, 931-657-2584).
- For seed - propagated types. Plant 8-10 lbs. pure live seed/acre April 15 to July 1. Varieties- Wrangler, Pasto Rico, Cheyenne, Common (Wrangler most cold tolerant). Available at the Co-op.
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Fertility |
- A soil test should be taken and lime, phosphorous and potassium should be applied according to soil test recommendations. A pH of 6.2 to 6.5 should be maintained.
- For Bermudagrass pastures apply 60-100 pounds of actual nitrogen as growth begins and another 60 pounds later in the summer when moisture is adequate. Additional applications of nitrogen can be made during the summer as growth is needed.
- for Bermudagrass Hay:
- Apply about 60-100 pounds of actual nitrogen in the spring.
- Apply 60-100 pounds of actual nitrogen after each harvest.
- Moisture must be adequate to utilize higher end nitrogen rates.
- Bermuda uses MORE potash than nitrogen. Potassium levels should be monitored. Can apply all at once or split applications. With optimum potash levels, Bermudagrass can better withstand stress from diseases, heat and drought. It also increases nitrogen use efficiency.
- Sulfur is needed for nitrogen use efficiency.
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| Total Nutrient Uptake by Hybrid Bermudagrass |
| Yield, tons/A |
Nitrogen |
Phosphorous |
Potassium |
Sulfur |
Magnesium |
| 6 |
258 |
60 |
288 |
30 |
18 |
| 8 |
368 |
96 |
400 |
44 |
26 |
| 10 |
460 |
120 |
500 |
55 |
32 |
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Weed Control |
- Apply paraquat in March to control little barley and other winter weeds, or burn.
- Apply 2,4-D or Weedmaster or Grazon P+D from March to July to control broadleaf weeds.
- Frequent clipping or close grazing and good fertilization will control many weeds and may substitute for chemical weed control.
- Plateau can be used to control seedling and rhizome johnsongrass, crabgrass and other grasses. Suppressess bermudagrass about 30 days. Moisture and fertilizer are essential.
- Always read and follow label directions when using pesticides.
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Harvest Management |
- Harvest every 30-35 days beginning the end of May/first of June
- Graze with stocking rate high enough to keep growth vegetative
- Cross fence and clip excess for hay if necessary
- Graze or clip winter hardy varieties close after October 15
- Leave growth on non-winter hardy varieties
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