SOIL TEST INFORMATION SHEET NO. P-210

Prepared by Extension Agronomist Edward Twidwell    

Perennial Summer Pasture Grasses—
Bahia, Dallisgrass, Common and Hybrid Bermudas

1.	These grasses grow over a wide range of soil pH values, but it is recommended that agricultural limestone be applied when the pH is below 5.0.  If the sod is to be overseeded with ryegrass or clovers, the soil pH should be maintained at a pH of 5.8 or above.  Where magnesium is medium or lower, use dolomitic limestone. When lime is not needed and magnesium is medium or lower, apply sulfate of potash-magnesia (Sul-Po-Mag or K Mag).

Establishing Perennial Summer Grasses

2.	Recommended rates of phosphorus and potassium and 20-40 pounds of nitrogen per acre should be applied and incorporated into the soil before seeding or sprigging.

3.	After seedlings emerge or sprigs start to grow, apply 40-60 pounds of nitrogen per acre. An additional 20-40 pounds of nitrogen may be needed in August or early September.

Maintaining Perennial Summer Grasses for Grazing

4.	All the recommended rates of phosphorus and potassium and 60-80 pounds of nitrogen per acre should be applied in the spring soon after growth starts.

5.	An additional 60-80 pounds of nitrogen will be needed in June.  For fall grazing, 30-40 pounds of nitrogen may be needed in August or early September.

Bahia or Hybrid Bermudagrass for Hay

6.	One-third to one-half of the recommended phosphorus and potassium and 80-100 pounds of nitrogen should be applied as soon as growth starts in the spring.

7.	Apply 80-100 pounds of nitrogen after each cutting of hay (except the last) and one-third of the recommended phosphorus and potassium after the 1st and 2nd cutting or one-half after the 2nd cutting.

8.	On uplands and soils that test low in sulfur, applying 10-20 pounds of sulfur per harvest as a sulfate may increase yields.  It can be applied by using ammonium sulfate as part of the nitrogen application program or with a blend containing sulfur in the sulfate form.

9.	Contact your county agent for additional information and help in your fertilization program.  The agent also receives a copy of this report for the parish office files.