Paspalum

NOTE: The information in this Agnote must be read in conjunction with Introduction to selecting and using pastures in NSW, which covers information on areas of adaptation, sources of variability, species mixtures, and important issues related to animal health and the conservation of native vegetation.

Pasture type and use	Mainly mixed with ryegrass, clover pastures. Persists with kikuyu pastures. Adapted to the wetter areas, dairies etc. on the coastal and inland slopes and plains.
Area of adaptation	Coastal and wetter areas of slopes and plains.
Min. average annual rainfall	750 mm adapted to summer-dominant rainfall areas.
Advantages	Grows prolifically during summer (December to early March). Can produce 80 kg DM/ha/day. Has reasonable feed quality. Requires heavy grazing pressure every 2–3 weeks during summer.
Disadvantages	It is invaded by couch grass after 2 years. Impossible to remove couch grass from paspalum. Seeds prolifically from late January to April. Regular slashing and mulching must be undertaken. Under ideal management, has better feed quality than kikuyu.
Soil requirements	Prefers heavy clays. Persists in areas of poorer drainage.
Varieties	Common
Sowing rate	3–5 kg/ha
Sowing time	Mid-October to March.
Companion species	White clover / red clover.
Inoculation	N/A
Major nutrient deficiencies	Nitrogen
Main insect pests	No significant problems.
Main diseases	Ergot
Management	It is accepted as a naturalised self-regenerating summer grass. It is rarely sown. Tends to invade ryegrass, clover pastures. It can also survive with kikuyu. Maintain stocking pressure from December to March. It flowers from mid-January to March/April. Regular slashing or mulching is critical in maintaining feed quality.
Livestock disorders of particular note	Nervous ergotism (‘staggers’).
Additional tips	Very difficult to establish from seed because of summer grasses weed competition. Can be a major weed of turf. Cannot be removed from kikuyu. On heavy, fertile, coastal soils it will establish naturally.

Acknowledgment

Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.