An invasive species of grass is a grass that grows rapidly to fill a fallow land and buffel grass is one such grass.The meaning of an invasive species simply means a species that is non-native to a particular area or region but it went on to multiply. This harms its native surroundings and the native species. Thus, invasive species are harmful species.Buffel grass hinders the growth of an area that can range from a desert to a grassland. It is capable enough to destroy and damage their ecosystems. An example of the threat buffel grass possess, can be seen in the Sonoran desert.Due to its invasive nature, buffel grass managed to cause damage to the native plants of the Sonoran desert, as it absorbed all the nutrients from the soil.To save the ecosystem, eliminating this grass is the only option. However, it is ironic to learn how this grass went on to impact a region negatively when it was initially introduced to the region for erosion control.To know more facts about this perennial grass, keep reading the article.Classification Of Buffel GrassBuffel grass is found in many countries. It was knowingly adopted into some areas because of its value. It can control soil erosion, keep an excellent growing capacity irrespective of soil textures, and improve an ecosystem living in arid regions.The scientific name of this grass is Cenchrus ciliaris.It is also known as African foxtail grass, Dhaman and Anjan.It is native to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.Out of the many African kinds of grass, this grass was introduced to many places around the world such as Central Australia, Northern Australia, and South America as fodder for grazing animals. At the time many of these countries were looking for grass that could tolerate heavy grazing.This grass was introduced to the U.S. in the ’30s to solve two major problems in the arid region. The first solution was to serve as fodder for grazing animals. The second was to manage soil erosion.It was introduced as an erosion control measure for arid regions because of its high-speed production capacity and drought-resistant features.Only a few animals, including sheep and cows, can graze this grass. But constant grazing on this grass may lead to problems. This grass is rich in potassium, sugar, iron, and nutritive value which is often not suitable for all animals.Horses are not supposed to eat this grass. It can be toxic for them.Apart from the areas where it was intentionally planted, buffel grass has been spreading to unwanted lands and damaging the growth of native plants. It has reached locations such as Arizona, New Mexico, California, New York, Texas, Missouri, Florida, and Hawaii. It has been damaging many native plant species.In some areas, especially in the Sonoran desert(Arizona), the grass is officially listed as a noxious or toxic weed.Characteristics Of Buffel GrassSome of the characteristics of buffel grass make it stand out from other varieties of grass. It is very easy to recognize this grass. Some of its physical characteristics are mentioned below.The color of this grass ranges from green to yellow. This grass changes its color based on the season. During the summer it is yellow-brown, while during rainy seasons its color changes to green and dark green.Its leaves are flat and can grow up to 3-11 in (7.6-27.9 cm) in height. It is a tall grass that is easily visible from far. Due to the reason of its tall length, it chokes the surrounding grasses.This grass grows in a bunch, from a knotted base. In maturity, the plant could grow up to a height of 7.9-59 in(20-150 cm).Its roots spread inside the soil and can reach 6-8 in(15.2-20.3 cm).This grass needs small amounts of water. It is also drought-prone grass and can survive for a longer period due to its meager water requirements.During summer, this grass becomes dry and can burn quickly. The dryness can fuel and help hot fires spread fast across the area, making wildfire situations worse. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to protect the area in which this grass is found.It can destroy the ecosystem of an area and also cause considerable damage to native plants.One of the most interesting qualities of this invasive species is that it spreads its seeds quickly and at longer distances. Fast-moving winds help their seeds spread at different locations.It has become a threat to the Sonoran desert, destroying its ecosystem.It cannot be removed, even with chemicals. Yes, you heard that right. It is impossible to get rid of this grass with poison. This is the reason why is this invasive species is commonly found.Growth Of Buffel GrassBuffel grass can grow in any place except for areas that have frequent floods and high rainfall. It can survive many hot and harsh climates.Apart from its place of origin, this invasive species was cultivated in Australia, Hawaii, many islands in the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea.Its seeds spread wide across the surrounding lands and in far-off locations.It can grow up to an elevation of 6561.7 ft(2000 m) above sea level.The main carriers or distributing agents of the plants are winds, water, animals, and human clothing.This grass grows all year long in suitable climatic conditions. A suitable climate for its growth is hot weather, snow-free winters. It only requires an annual rainfall of around 6-24 in(15.2-70 cm).It has a wide range of habitats where it can grow easily such as agricultural lands, roadsides, mountain areas, grasslands, and vacant plots of land.It doesn’t need much water as it is drought-tolerant grass and can survive in harsh summer climates.The germination of these plants begins in 24 hours. Within three to six days, it can reach its full potential at 77 F(25 C).Ways To Remove Buffel GrassIt is essential to remove this grass from an area when it spreads to unwanted areas such as agricultural lands, roadsides, vacant plots of land, and alleys. This grass threatens the native plants and ecosystems.It is almost impossible to get rid of this grass with poison and other chemical treatments. This is the only reason why these invasive grasses can commonly be found across many countries.The only way to get rid of buffel grass is by removing it by hand. There are no other modes or machines that can do this work better than a human hand.Why it can be removed only by hand? It is the only way to ensure that its roots are completely removed from the ground, as even a single strand of the root may reproduce grass once again.There has been a recent discovery on a method that could help eliminate this grass. It could be treated with herbicide. However, this method has its limitations. We can only use the spray when the grass is still green, making the herbicide more effective. If we spray this herbicide on an area that already has buffel grass, then we need to monitor the area for at least three to five years. The reason being this grass spreads readily in any type of soil, even with the slightest particles of its seeds. So, the regrowth of the grass needs to be checked.As a measure to control this invasive species from damaging the Sonoran desert, initiatives have been taken by government authorities in Arizona by officially listing it as a noxious weed.Many volunteering groups have also come forward to remove this grass from many areas.
An invasive species of grass is a grass that grows rapidly to fill a fallow land and buffel grass is one such grass.
