EMPIRE™ Turf Characteristics & Info

EMPIRE™ ZOYSIA®

Zoysia japonica 'SS500'  

 

Probably the hardest lawn in the world to wear out. Only the better Buffalo varieties have more shade tolerance. Almost indestructible rolls or slabs. With such little mowing required, it is the ideal lawn for slopes.

Ozbreed is pleased to introduce EMPIRE™ ZOYSIA, a selected cultivar of Zoysia japonica, chosen specifically for its ability to reduce production costs while demonstrating very desirable growth characteristics. Reduced production costs are achieved by EMPIRE™'s rapid expansion rate, reproduction from rhizomes, and its natural chemical resistance for easier weed control. Unlike other Zoysia grasses, EMPIRE™ is not too slow. In fact compared to other Zoysias lawns, EMPIRE™ is super fast, however EMPIRE™ still requires less mowing than Couch, Kikuyu, and Buffalo turf.

EMPIRE™ demonstrates superior dark green color, low thatch build up due to its wide bladed leaf (compared to other Zoysias) and open growth habit, natural chemical resistance to MSMA, 2,4-D, and Fusillade II, and good drought tolerance. EMPIRE™ was discovered in Brazil, and unlike other Zoysia varieties, has proven its ability to thrive in hot, humid conditions as well as colder climates. EMPIRE™ has performed well in sandy and clay soil types with aggressive growth from its runners and rhizomes, but can be mowed with a standard rotary mower due to its broader leaf and open growth habit. It requires less maintenance and mowing than other grasses, and is a very efficient water user. This versatile turf grass thrives in all climatic regions of Australia, from Darwin, to Tasmania, from Sydney to Perth, and would even survive in places where the temperature drops to 20 degrees below 0.

Information on Common Zoysia (compared to EMPIRE™)

Zoysia grass is extremely drought tolerant. Although it does turn straw colored under severe drought conditions, it has the capacity to respond to subsequent irrigation or rainfall. Its water requirements are similar to those of Couch grass. The leaf blades of Zoysia grass are among the first to roll under drought conditions, thus it tends to conserve moisture more effectively than other species. Zoysia grass also has a deep root system allowing it to more effectively extract water from greater soil depths. EMPIRE™ remains looking good in dryer conditions than other Zoysias. EMPIRE™ not only survives drought, but keeps looking great for longer.

Zoysia grass is nearly as salt tolerant as Bermuda grass. It is widely grown along sandy seashores where drainage is adequate. Zoysia grass does not tolerate poorly drained soils whether they are saline or otherwise, until now. EMPIRE™ ZOYSIA does well in most soil types, including heavy poor draining soils.

Zoysia grasses are among the most wear tolerant turf grasses. However, their slow rate of growth gives them very poor recuperative potential. Until now. EMPIRE™ has a great recovery rate. EMPIRE™ has changed the way people look at Zoysia.

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