Soil reclamation and erosion control
Panicum turgidum is able to agregate grains of sand thanks to its extensive and felt-like rootsystem. It is useful for erosion control, for the rehabilitation of desert ranges and the stabilization of sand dunes that are wind-blown and unstable (Ecocrop, 2019; Quattrocchi, 2006). Desert grass can grow on steep slopes (Ecocrop, 2019).
Fodder production in saline areas
Panicum turgidum is a promising fodder species for saline areas as it could produce 60 t/ha/year of fresh matter when grown in saline soil (EC 10-15 mS cm-1) irrigated with brackish water (EC 10–12 mS.cm-1)(Khan et al., 2009). Its association with Suaeda fruticosa alleviated the risk of soil salinization that occurred when desert grass was cultivated alone on brackish water irrigated areas (Khan et al., 2009)
Nest for locusts
In Sudan, Panicum turgidum is dominant in locust-laying areas and it is a feed for young locusts (Brink, 2006).