Rhodes grass is a nutritious and high-yielding crop; however, if farmers want to achieve results, then choose perfect land or location. This process begins with choosing the right location in full sunlight with sandy loam soil and good drainage. In Punjab or Sindh, farmers have achieved targets, as water spreads equally and the area is weed-free.
Land is prepared by choosing a fertile and well-drained soil with alkaline PH (6-7.5). Before planting, the land preparation method begins with leveling and ploughing, and followed by application of farmyard or organic matter to enrich the soil. In warm moist seasons, Rhodes grass performs best.
1. Land Preparation
Proper land preparation is required for successful Rhodes grass cultivation, which starts in a well-drained area with full sunlight exposure, a warm and open environment. Begins with deep ploughing to convert the hard soil into layers and improve root penetration. Apply the process in 2-3 rounds or create a crumbly and fine seedbed, which promotes better results.
i. Soil Selection & Preparation
1.Choose soil with pH 6.0–7.5
2.Promote Moisture Retention
ii. Seed Selection & Sowing
1.Use Certified Seeds
2.Proper Seeding rate 6–8 kg per acre & no deeper than 1 cm.
iii. Apply Balanced NPK
1.Use nitrogen in growing period
2.Use phosphorous for strong roots
iv. Irrigation Practices
1.Use water in warm days
2.Maintain consistent moisture
v. Weed and Pest Control
1.Manual weeding regularly
2.Clean the land to reduce pest
2.Irrigation Management
Proper irrigation management is an important step for healthy Rhodes grass. After sowing, irrigation is important for early establishment and good seed germination. During establishment, mature grass benefits from soil conditions and scheduled watering depends on the weather. The best way is to irrigate when the soil starts to dry (takes 7-10 days).
i. Irrigate Based on Soil Condition.
1.Use Simple Tools
2.Support Healthy Roots
ii. Avoid waterlogging in early growth stages.
1.Reduces Disease Risk
2.Promotes Uniform Growth
iii. Prevents Plant Stress
1.Improves Resilience
2.Supports Photosynthesis
iv. Follow a Regular Irrigation Schedule
1.Provides High-Quality Production
2.Eases Management
v. Use Efficient Irrigation Methods
1.Minimizes Soil Erosion
2.Prevents Overwatering
3.Weed Control
Weed control is a critical phase for ensuring a healthy crop is established and increasing the yield. Weeds compete with new grass for sunlight, moisture, and nutrients. A clean seedbed is established after proper monitoring, manual, or mechanical cultivation. This procedure contributes to improved quality.
i. Light mechanical cultivation in initial stage
1.Conserves Moisture
2.Saves Labor Over Time
ii. Enhances Forage Quality
1.Boosts Palatability
2.Improves Digestibility
iii. Mulching helps suppress weeds
1.Reduces Weed Emergence
2.Reduces Labor Needs
vi. Ensure Proper Plant Spacing
1.Reduces Competition
2.Facilitates Easy Management
v. Monitor Fields Regularly
1.Reduces Economic Losses
2.Tracks Crop Health and Growth
4. Harvesting and Regrowth
Regrowth and proper harvesting are important for high quality and productivity in Rhodes grass. The current time of harvesting is 4 to 6 weeks. You can also check length of grass reaches about 60 to 70 cm in the growing season.
i. Start harvesting after 45–60 days of planting.
1.Maximum Forage Yield
2.Prevents Over-maturity
ii. Maintain cutting height of 5–7 cm above ground.
1.Reduces Soil Exposure
2.Ensures Consistent Yields
iii. Follow rotational cutting or grazing to improve regrowth.
1.Efficient Land Use
2.Promotes Uniform Regrowth
iv. Apply Fertilizer After Each Cut
1.Use the Right Amount
2.Boosts Regrowth Speed
v. Avoid Harvesting During Drought Stress
1.Leads to Lower Yields
2.Maintains Soil Health
5. Pest and Disease Management
Pest and disease management is important to increase growth and high yield. Monitoring also helps to detect pests such as aphids, armyworms, and grass worms. Crop is managed from fungal diseases and the right approach for productive grass.
i. Monitor regularly for pests
1.Minimizes Damage
2.Tracks Pest Trends
ii. Use appropriate biological method if required.
1.Prevent Resistance
2.Ensure Safety
iii. Practice Crop Rotation
1.Improves Soil Fertility
2.Prevents Nutrient Depletion
iv. Keep Records of Incidents
1.Supports Timely Interventions
2.Facilitates Communication with Experts
v. Avoid Overcrowding
1.Limits Disease Spread
2.Makes Monitoring Easier
