Erosion control and reclamation
Brachiaria nigropedata is a pioneering grass. It is useful against erosion as its roots produce an exudate that binds soil particles. It helps for revegetation of copper-rich soils (SEPASAL, 2007).
Environmental indicator
Brachiaria nigropedata is an indicator of good condition in the veld. It is sensitive to overgrazing and one of the first grasses to disappear in such case (SEPASAL, 2007).