Since Pangola grass and its variations produce almost no seed, it is nearly entirely propagated by stems and crowns, adding to the cost of establishment. Under most conditions, the returns derived from a well-established stand far outweigh the cost of establishment. The grass is easy to establish throughout the year, the probability of survival increased in the wet season. Growth rate and production are reduced during drought, still it is relatively drought tolerant. Mechanized plantings are made on large flat areas, free of boulders. Hand planting is recommended for small areas, stony land, and steep slopes. Pangola grass can be grown pure or in mixtures with tropical legumes, as Centrosema pubescens or Desmodium leiocarpum, in Ghana. Although it is superior to some other warm-season sodgrasses in its competitiveness against wiry and erect forms of herbaceous and woody weeds, it can also be detrimental to herbaceous legumes. Pangola grass shows significant increases in forage yield as result of single annual application of fertilizer, and gives maximum forage production with split applications. In Florida a fertilizer program similar to the following is suggested: a 10-10-10 fertilizer at rate of 560 kg/ha between Oct. 1-Mar. 31; 12-6-6, 450 kg/ha between Apr. 1-May 15; Ammonium sulfate, 170 kg/ha between May 16-Aug. 15; and 12-6-6, 450 kg/ha between Aug. 16-Sept. 30. Green matter yields are increased 50% by addition of 830 kg/ha of 12-6-8 fertilizer, applied in a single annual application as top-dressing. Ammonium sulfate is the most common source of N used on pasture grasses. Pangola grass can be easily eradicated by soil sterilants or non-selective herbicides; or during the dry season by following proper cultural practices. Swine relish the roots, but it is not advisable to use them to eradicate the grass because of the damage they do to soil tilth and texture. Selective grazing causes pangola grass to decrease in a mixed pasture. Long-established grass survives better when the heavy growth has been removed. Pangola grass can be established and makes vigorous growth on sandy soils with pH 4.2-4.5, if it receives a complete fertilizer and necessary minor elements. Liming is recommended, with initial treatment of 2.5 T/ha on newly cleared land with reliming at same rate set at 4-year intervals. Crop also has high ability to withstand heavy trampling by livestock and rapid recovery from overgrazing (Reed, 1976).
Harvesting