FOR FORAGE IN AUSTRALIA
Bermuda grass, with a bright green/purple tipped blade, has consistently proven to be one of the best perennial grasses for irrigated summer pastures in Australia. More recently, it is being used as a source of green forage and hay. It is also a chosen variety for turfing sports fields.
Bermuda Couch has an extensive root system, giving it the best chance of surviving tough drought conditions. Due to the make-up of the roots, extended periods of drought or waterlogging can be survived.
It has runners that spread both above ground (called stolons) and below ground (rhizomes). This makes the grass great at ‘self-repairing’, and any bare patches that you may have from your initial sowing of seed will, more often than not, be quickly filled in without any need for a second sow.
Speedie Bermuda Grass has been dehulled and will germinate a little quicker that the normal unhulled Bermuda Grass.
It performs best in soils with moderate acidity (pH 5.8-7.0) but tolerates more alkaline conditions. It is suited for commercial pasture or hay production in areas where total soluble salts in water tend to restrict production of other crops.
Bermuda grasses are also a practical choice for small pasture plots where a homeowner wants to keep one or two horses and/ or pasture a few head of cattle.