If observed side by side with bermuda grass, the Buffalo grass takes longer to wilt and holds it's color longer. However, when irrigation is applied after stress, the Buffalo grass takes longer to recover than bermuda grass. The more repeated cycles of stress, the slower the Buffalo grass will be in recovering. At low desert elevation, it looks like there is no real advantage to Buffalo grass over bermuda grass in water use. Mow with a rotary mower.
Buffalo grass has a lower nitrogen requirement than bermuda grass.
You can slow the grass down and actually weaken it with too much fertility. If in a non-irrigated situation, apply the fertilizer in the middle of the rainy season. Since it has a lower growth rate than bermuda grass, its recuperative capacity is less. Therefore, the current Buffalo grass varieties are not recommended for use in high traffic situations, as they would not grow back fast enough during constant use. At higher elevations, Buffalo grass may be more adaptable at 3,500 feet and above.