Page 29 - Landscape-Issue131

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