Tifton 85 grass is a hybrid variety of Bermuda grass that is widely grown in warm, humid regions of North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. It was developed by the United States Agricultural Research Service in 1991, and is considered one of the best grass varieties for forage and grazing because of its many advantages and qualities.
In this article we will discuss in detail about the benefits and properties of Tifton 85 grass.
higher fodder production: Tifton 85 grass is known for its high forage production with production capacity up to 7 tonnes per hectare per year. This is because it has a deep root system and a high chlorophyll content, which allows it to absorb more nutrients from the soil and convert them into energy for growth.
high nutritional quality: Tifton 85 hay is also known for its high nutritional quality. It has a high protein content (up to 22%) and high digestibility, making it ideal for feeding beef and dairy cattle. In addition, it has a low fiber content and high metabolizable energy, making it ideal for obese animals.
drought tolerance: It is highly drought tolerant and can maintain its forage quality and production even under moderately dry conditions. This is because it has a deep root system which allows it to absorb water and nutrients from the soil at greater depths.
resistance to diseases and pests: This grass is also known for its resistance to diseases and pests. It is less susceptible to diseases such as leaf spot and root rot than other grass varieties, making it ideal for forage production in high humidity conditions.
easy maintenance: Tifton 85 grass is easy to maintain because of its rapid growth and ability to recover quickly from mulching. This means that it can be grazed repeatedly without damaging the grass and affecting its forage production.
Adaptability to different types of soil: It is suited to a variety of soil types including clayey and sandy soils. However, it requires well-draining soil and does not tolerate soil with high salinity.
