Argentine Bahia Information Page
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Argentine Bahiagrass
Argentine is a Bahia "selection" of Bahia grass that
originated from the country of Argentina in South
America. The variety was developed by University
initially for its forage production qualities. This
variety is also sometimes referred to as "Argentina"
Bahia.
Argentine has wide broad leaves with a good darker
green color, making it more suitable for Lawns in
Florida and other Coastal Southern states. It's
susceptibility to cold, results in winter kill of
stands planted North of approximately Tifton,
Georgia. It is used extensively for lawns, because
of its attractive look and the fact that it produces
less "objectionable" seed heads than other Bahia's.
Best for use in full sun areas.
Argentine Bahiagrass
Argentine is also used extensively in Florida and
other coastal areas for pasture purposes. It is
popular for use in wetter areas, due to it's ability
to stand more more than the Pensacola Bahia variety.
It produces tremendous forage under proper
conditions. Argentine's only drawbacks are Ergot
seed (diseased seed) produced on seed heads and the
attribute of the sod to form a dense "sod bound"
turf, requiring renovation (each 3-5 year period)
for maintaining high rates of forage production.
Bahiagrass.com - Germination of Argentine
For Argentine Pastures - Seeding rate should be
25-50 lbs per acre..... Higher rates can result in
faster establishment. Most agronomists recommend at
least 25-30 lbs acre.
Argentine can at times be a little difficult to
establish. It is more susceptible to soil and
weather conditions than is Pensacola Bahia which
affects the germination. It also has few dormant
seeds, so adverse conditions when planted can be a
factor. Water being the key factor, to initiate the
germination and keep the plants alive until they
grow big enough for their root systems to establish.
It normally germinates in 10-20 days with 14 days
considered the normal germinating time under ideal
conditions. I have seen locations where Argentine
seeds planted in March, were still just germinating
in September - October. The key is water, fertilize,
keep your area planted mowed to reduce weed
competition and be patient.
Argentine & Shade - Argentine Bahia has minimal
shade tolerance. Best choice for shade in warm
season lawns is a St. Augustine Grass - Bahiagrass
will slowly thin out under the drip line of shady
trees and will generally not survive long term as
the shade tolerance is limited. Argentine tends to
have slightly higher shade tolerance than Pensacola.
In general it should be used for full sun areas.
PASTURE USE: Argentine Bahia Grass originated from
the country of Argentina and was brought to the U.S.
in the 1940’s. This grass has a thinner blade and
better forage for horses and cows as to
palatability. The areas that best support Argentine
are wetter soils, higher humidity, and soils of low
fertility. This variety grows best in the more sub
tropical areas of higher rainfall. Seeded easily and
fast growing, forming a dense thick sod once it is
established. Low fertility requirements and a long
lived perennial grass. Only limited growth is
possible where grass grows under the trees . Bahia
grass is primarily a full sun grass. |
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