Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
nutrient imbalances. A deep root system makes it relatively drought
resistant. It also tolerates wide pH ranges and low oxygen conditions.
In the tropical climate, chemical weed control in paspalum is somewhat
problematic. Post-emergence herbicides are often toxic to this species.
Substituting saltwater applications for herbicide applications controls
numerous weeds quite well.
P. notatum
Fl¨ gg´, commonly called Bahia grass but also grama dulce
or forquinha, is a low-maintenance turf-grass for poor soils (Fig. 2.7). It
originated in South America but performs satisfactorily in Central Amer-
ica, Africa and Asia. It can be established from seeds or propagated
vegetatively, mostly from sprigs or plugs. Bahia grass develops a sizeable
root system, which makes it one of the most drought-tolerant turf-
grasses. It does well in infertile soils, especially sandy soils, and does
Fig. 2.7. Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum). Leaves folded in the bud; ligule a short
membrane; collar constricted, broad, sparse long hairs at the edges; auricles absent;
sheaths compressed, sparsely hairy; blades flat or folded, 4-6 mm wide, sparsely
hairy, tapering to points; seed-head usually two slender spikes originating at the top
of the main stem; spikelets blunt at the base, rounded at the centre, and tapering to
blunt tips, each with a single seed. (Drawing by R. Castro.)
