The Buffel Grass Seed Company, Inc.
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4810 Gemini Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78405
Phone: (361) 442-0703, Fax: (361) 993-7321
We Help America Grow
Copyright (c) 2001
The Grass Is Always Greener on our side of the Fence!
Adaptation / Establishment
Since its introduction to Texas in the 1940's, Buffel grass has become the most popular grass in South Texas for its drought tolerance properties. Buffel grass is widely used around the world in areas where it is warm and dry (Africa, India, Australia, Mexico, Central America, South America, etc.) Buffel grass has turned hundreds of thousands acres of what used to be desert into productive cattle grazing pastures. Buffel grass has a wide soil adaptation; however, it will not do well in poor soil drainage areas. Buffel grass will even grow in "caliche."
Soil preparation for Buffel grass planting is similar to other pasture grasses. Tillage will re-introduce organic matter residues to the soil and eliminate weeds. It will also soften the soil to allow the roots to grow with minimal resistance. Tillage will also introduce nitrogen to the soil.
Depending on the soil preparation, the seed rate may vary. The more soil preparation, the less seed per acre is required. As a rule of thumb, 3-7 pounds per acre (3.36 - 7.85 Kilogramos/hectaria) are required. The seed rate is also dependent on the seed purity and germination. A better way to express seed rate per acre is on a "pure live seed (PLS)" basis.
Percent (%) germination refers to the % of the pure seed which has shown by test to be able to germinate. The % dormant refers to the % of the pure seed which is currently dormant but will germinate once the germination inhibitor disappears. When Buffel grass seed is harvested, the seed contains a germination inhibitor which goes away with time. The seed starts with a low % germination and a high % dormant. After 5-6 months, the % dormant should be zero (0) and the % germination should be at its pick which should be close to the sum of the % germination and the % dormant when the seed was harvested.
If you want to plant 3 pounds/acre on a 100% pure life seed (PLS) basis and you are using seed that is 80% PLS, you would take 3 divided by 0.8 (80%) and end up with 3.75 pounds/acre of actual seed needed (gross seed). The PLS is calculated by using the following equation:
%PLS = (% germination + % dormant)* % pure seed
Example:
If % germination = 80%, % dormant = 10%, and the pure seed is 88%
Then % PLS = (80 + 10) * 0.88 = 79.2% PLS
The higher the seed rate, the thicker the pasture will be initially. the seed cost tends to be a small percentage of the total cost so it is recommended to plant the seed at the higher rate > 5 pounds/acre to give you a better establishment.
Buffel grass seed is very light. The seed has the hull (furry skin) thus having a low bulk density. The seed can be broadcasted using various different spreaders. We use the EZ flow type spreaders which are also used to spread fertilizer. You can adjust the rate by adjusting the opening size.
Once the seed is broadcasted, the seed should be covered with a thin layer (1/4 to 1/2 inch) of soil. You should not cover the seed too deep. Seed covering can be accomplished by many different ways. An economical way is by dragging a wide object with a tractor such as a chain, 2 x 4 board, bull panel, etc. ; however, you should consider the safety precautions with dragging any object with a tractor which is not designed for that purpose. You may press the seed instead of covering the seed. The seed can be pressed by a series of old tires pulled behind the broadcaster.
Buffel grass can be planted generally in the spring (March - April) and in the fall (September-October) depending in the area where it is being planted.
Buffel Grass is very drought tolerant due to its deep root system. The deep roots find the needed moisture to survive prolonged droughts. The deep roots also help the plant endure other stresses (frost, overgrazing, heavy traffic, etc.)