Response of incomplete Tifton 9 bahiagrass stands to renovation

Abstract

Establishment of warm-season grasses from seed is often impeded by slow germination and emergence, and low seedling vigor. Stand development can be further retarded by unfavorable soil moisture resulting from high temperatures and erratic precipitation. Management of poorly established stands of warm-season grasses has received limited research attention. Two- or 3-year old, poorly established stands (basal occupation < 61%) of ‘Tifton 9’ bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge var. saure) at a dry upland site and at a moist lowland site were reseeded (5.6 kgh a-1) in April of 2 different years either without tillage or after rototilling or light disking and compared to a non-seeded control. Our objective was to determine whether any combination of tillage and/or seeding would enhance stand coverage. At the upland site, basal occupation of the control increased from an initial 61 to 80%. No benefit was derived from interseeding, and both tillage treatments resulted in a stand reduction (P < 0.05) after 1 year. At the lowland site, basal occupation increased froman initial 28 to 59% for the control. Similar responses were observed with renovation treatments, but none were greater (P >0.05) than the control. Bahiagrass stands with at least a few plants per m2 should be managed to minimize weed encroachment, but introducing additional seed, with or without tillage, offered no benefit.