Two years ago we planted 3 hectares of paspalum notatum to be used for polocrossse fileds in Lusaka, Zambia. The grass was propagated from seed imported from South Africa and was planted in excess of the recommended planting rate. We are now into the 6th week of the third annual rains since planting and whilst the grass continues to grow steadily we are told that it will take 3 - 4 years to achieve total coverage. However, some of our members advocate that the grass should be mowed on a regular basis during the rains whilst others say that it should be left to re-seed itself. Unfortunately we cannot find anything specific on the web relating to the best way of mainting this grass type and achieving maximum coverage in the shortest time and therefore seek advice from those in the know.......any help will be highly appreciated.
Advice please on paspalum notatum (bahia grass)
Paspalum notatum, Bahia Grass, withstands heavy grazing once established. As it spreads out laterally, it is not necessary to let the plant go to seed. If it is mowed, the plant will concentrate on spreading out, rather than spend energy to produce seed.
Aloha Zambia, welcome!
Oh Lord, yet another plant I have to look up and learn about!
You surely have come to the right place for advice, Dave is a master, master gardener! Am I understanding it right that the field is planted for playing polo on, or am I being a real dunce? Good luck with your project, do tell us a little about youself and your life in Zambia, so nice to have you onboard - our second gardener from Africa!
Jenn
Hi folks and thanks for response - making plans to mow on Friday and will keep you informed of progress!!
Our fields are planted specifically for playing polocrosse - also an equestrian sport but played with a stick with a net on the end and a soft ball as opposed to polo in which they use a mallet and hard ball. Good level fields with a strong drought resistant grass covering are crucial and paspalum is known to be ideal for this reason.
We are hoping to qualify for the World Cup in the UK in 2011 and will possibly have to play against Canada or the USA to qualify - if interested have a look at web http://www.polocrosse-international.org/2008/12/30/welcome-to-ipc/ ...it is an exhilarating game for the whole family and gaining popularity worldwide.
Seasons Greetings and take care..........
Hey Zambia, if you're going to compete against the US, you should probably be practicing in a field of Phragmites australis. (Just kidding!)
Good luck with your project, and your games!
Aloha, Dave