Smutgrass (<i>Sporobolus indicus</i>) control in bahiagrass is improved with applications of herbicide and fertilizer

Abstract Smutgrass is an invasive weed species that can quickly outcompete bahiagrass because of its aggressive growth, prolific seed production, and rhizomatous nature. Total renovation pastures or hayfields generally not a feasible economically viable option for most producers. Therefore, controlling the continual spread smutgrass will require integrated management (IWM) plan incorporates multiple strategies. The objective this study was to test interactions herbicides fertilizers on control in determine efficacious economical IWM low-input systems. This research conducted mixture ‘Tifton 9’ ‘Pensacola’ at Alapaha Beef Station Alapaha, GA. design randomized complete block with three-by-four factorial treatment arrangement six replications. Fertility treatments included 56 kg N ha –1 (ammonium nitrate, 34% N) + K 2 O , unfertilized control. reduced &lt;15% ground coverage when postemergent herbicide applied. addition preemergent and/or fertilizer further (P &lt; 0.01). As declined, increased; other vegetation dead material did differ by treatment. Generally, herbage accumulation crude protein were only affected following second application Treatments (indaziflam) (hexazinone) resulted improved stand as timely suppression removed competition, while provided essential nutrients optimum growth fill gaps. Combining more producers compared renovation.