Page 21 - IFV Issue 11 November 2023

Gardening

MAINTAINING KIKUYU THE WATER WISE WAY

Lawn and other turf grasses are often seen as high-water users, especially in the
spring and summer seasons before the rainy season has started. But can lawn be

used in a water wise way? Water Wise explains the wise use of water with kikuyu.

Kikuyu
Pennisetum clandestinum, commonly
known as kikuyu, is the most widely
used lawn grass in South Africa. It
is native to east Africa and has an
aggressive growth form, which means
it can become invasive and take over
indigenous grasses. Kikuyu is drought
tolerant, inexpensive, and easy to
maintain because it can grow in areas
where most grasses cannot. However,
it is sometimes considered the highest
user of water in comparison to other Water wise watering for kikuyu
commonly used turf grasses. Kikuyu • Avoid watering kikuyu when it is • Very effective for erosion control in
is mostly used as an instant lawn for dormant. ornamental landscapes.
sports fields, golf course construction, • Wait for the rains to start before • Rapid summer growth rate with high
and rehabilitation. It has a mat root and awakening your kikuyu from its yield potential.
a herbaceous growth habit. It doesn’t dormant state. • Very competitive; suppresses weeds.
grow well in shaded areas.
• Newly installed kikuyu will only
require more water during its settling Disadvantages of kikuyu
Dormancy in lawn or establishment period. Gradually • Requires regular mowing.
Dormancy refers to a period where decrease the frequency of watering • High evapotranspiration rate.
growth of the grass temporarily slows after this phase. • Can become invasive and difficult to
down, and grass goes into a resting • In summer, water in the early morning control.
state for one season. Kikuyu always or late afternoon as this reduces water
goes dormant during winter and even lost to evaporation. There are many other simple ways you
into mid to late spring, were the grass • Use a trigger nozzle if watering kikuyu can save water. Visit the Water Wise
will turn brown. However, brown kikuyu with a hose. website by going to the Rand Water
grass does not mean it is dead; it has website and clicking on the Water Wise
simply gone dormant. Advantages of kikuyu logo for more information.
Dormant kikuyu does not need to be • Fast growing.
watered. Lawn in a state of dormancy is • Grows in full sun and in most soils. Always be #WaterWise
simply ‘resting’ and conserving energy • High-traffic resistant and persistent
for the new growing season. Dormancy growth form.
is a natural way for lawn to conserve • Survives long dry periods and is
moisture and nutrients in cold and dry drought tolerant.
seasons.
• Better frost tolerance than some warm
season grasses.

The Villager • Issue 11 2023 • 19