If for some reason it becomes impossible to fertilize both common and hybrid types of bermudagrass on a given farm during the same year, then fertilize the hybrids first. If common bermudagrass contaminates fields of hybrid bermudagrass and if low rates of fertilizer are applied, the hybrid tends to be crowded out of the stand by the lower yielding common type. Since hybrid bermudagrass produces viable seed only sparingly, new hybrid fields are established from sprigs. A well-prepared, fertile seedbed is needed. Twenty bushels of properly distributed live sprigs per acre is a desirable sprigging rate.
Higher rates encourage a more rapid cover of the ground by the new sod.
Since Tifton 44 covers the ground slowly, many commercial spriggers use a 40 bushel sprigging rate for this hybrid. Herbicides may be used to control weeds while the stand becomes established. A detailed description of the sprigging procedure is given in Extension publication FSA19, Hybrid Bermudagrass Establishment . Planting common bermudagrass is easier, cheaper and faster than sprigging hybrids. Thus, many farmers prefer to start new fields of common bermudagrass from seed.