Pennisetum polystachion is resistant to fires. It is useful for controlling erosion on hillsides. It does not require fertilizers.
Where it was introduced it tended to develop rapidly and can be now considered a noxious weed. This is the case in the USA (USDA, 2009), in Australia, Fiji and Thailand (Parsons et al., 2001). Overgrazing can be a way to control its development (Ellison et al., 1973 cited by FAO, 2009).