Russell is a hybrid that has been established in northwest Arkansas demonstration plots for five years, but the degree of relative winter hardiness has yet to be determined. Soil Type Good soil fertility and a soil with good internal drainage help ensure good yields of higher quality forage. This also helps lengthen the life of a stand. Usually hybrids are chosen over cultivars of common for soils with good native fertility, whereas cultivars of common are preferred over hybrids when soils are somewhat shallow due to erosion or a high water table, native soil fertility is low and when low rates of fertilizer are to be applied. Due to differences in cost of establishment and tolerance of grazing, cultivars of common are typically used when the primary use is for pasture.
Hybrids are generally preferred when the emphasis is production of hay.
Although it is speculated that approximately 150 locally-adapted varieties of common bermudagrass exist in the state, only a few common cultivars can be purchased by name. Of these, only Guymon and possibly Wrangler are adapted statewide. Another common, Greenfield, which is well adapted to north Arkansas, must be established by sprigging. Greenfield does not produce seed. Availability of hybrids varies tremendously from county to county as well as from area to area in the state.