Katambora Rhodes Grass

Description

Rhodes Grass originated in Africa, however Katambora Rhodes was developed for the parts of Australia that had previously missed out on the benefits of Rhodes grass. Katambora brings a hardiness that standard Callide Rhodes grass just doesn’t have. The ideal growing conditions for Katambora and Callide are actually exactly the same – temperatures ranging from 20-37C, rainfall of 600-1200mm annually – but the difference lies in how they hold up in unfamiliar conditions.

Katambora Rhodes planted in more temperate areas won’t fail as Callide Rhodes might. It can hold its own in almost the entirety of Australia (save for Tasmania and parts of Victoria), due to a stiff tolerance to drought, salt, and fleeting frosts. Katambora is so unfussy that it is able to continue to grow in climates with temperature variations of 5°-50°C.

Climate: The optimum growing temperature for Rhodes Grasses is in the range of 2°-37ºC.

Sowing Tips: Sow at 10kg/ha.

Optimum Sowing Time: We recommend sowing Katambora Rhodes Grass between September and  March, depending on the climate, and when there is more probability of receiving consecutive rain days.

Germination: Approximately 7 days depending on climate, soil preparation and conditions. Full coverage is expected by 3 months. Root system can take 12 months to mature and fully establish.

Water: Katambora Rhodes will cope with a wider variation in soil moisture conditions than other varieties and will cope with periodic water logging. Katambora Rhodes vigorous root system gives a degree of drought resistance. It requires 600mm – 1200mm rainfall annually unless irrigated.

Rhodes grasses have super deep root systems which can stretch down as far as 4.5m. This gives the grass access to lower water tables, meaning it can get through long dry spells far better than most other pastures. The roots and tall exposed blades (of 1-2m) also mean that periods of flooding that last up to 15 days can also be seen off. It needs to be remembered that this doesn’t extend to seasonal waterlogging, which will kill the plant

Fertilising: Production levels decline without a vigorous legume or the use of fertiliser Nitrogen.

Mowing: Katambora Rhodes grass is very tolerant to cutting or grazing. The stand should be maintained in a leafy condition by fairly regular cutting/slashing or grazing, as the feeding value declines rapidly with onset of flowering. However, too frequent cutting or intensive grazing (approx every 14 days) leads to production losses and stand decline.

Grazing: Rhodes grass should not be grazed in the first year until the plants and runners are well anchored. This may not occur until rains in autumn. Please ensure you rest the plants to see how well they are anchored before grazing.

Seed and Package Details: 100% Katambora Rhodes Grass Seeds

Independently Tested: A seed certificate available on request

Ideal Usage: Pastures

NOTE: Pasture Seed and Animal Health

When purchasing seeds through McKays Grass Seeds, the buyer acknowledges that McKays Grass Seeds is not liable for any animal health issues that may arise from our pasture seeds.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to contact a certified agronomist to ensure they are purchasing the correct seeds, in the correct quantities for their property, location, and animals.