Effect of irrigation on biomass production and components of dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum) and Bahia grass (P. notatum) in Uruguay

Use of irrigation in forage production systems based on perennial C4 grasses has been limited because of inconsistent responses of biomass production to water. The effects of three different levels of irrigation on growth of Paspalum notatum (Bahia grass) and P. dilatatum (dallis grass) over two consecutive growing seasons were studied. The phenological state of the plants was inferred by the proportion of lamina and non-lamina components. While irrigation failed to increase annual dry matter yield of forage, phenological composition of forage was affected by irrigation with both species showing changes in distribution of dry matter accumulation among different above-ground plant parts. Future research on these species should study the effects of moisture deficit on phenology to better understand the effects of irrigation.