Soil improver, soil revegetation and erosion control
Rhodes grass readily establishes and provides cover within 3 months of sowing (Moore, 2006). Using it as a cover crop improves soil structure, water infiltration and water-holding capacity, and its development lowers soil temperature during summer (Valenzuela et al., 2002). Its creeping habit provides good soil stabilisation and, in Australia, it is commonly used for the revegetation of mine-disturbed soils (Harwood et al., 1999). In Hawaii, Chloris gayana clippings were used to make mulch and protect soil from erosion. It could make a valuable seed bed for horticultural crops such as zucchini, cabbage, bulb onions, and eggplant, as it provides organic matter and protection from wind and sun to the vegetables (Valenzuela et al., 2002).
Weed potential and weed controller
Rhodes grass spreads readily in rainforest fringes in Queensland (Australia), where it produces seeds profusely and develops so quickly that it smothers native species and forms almost pure stands (DPIFQ, 2007). However, Chloris gayana was shown to outcompete summer weeds and has been considered helpful for controlling their development (Moore, 2006).