Grasses. Bread grass (Brachiaria brizantha) Warning: Recommended varieties: Karanga, Serengeti 1, Marendu (CIAT 6780) 1,2

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1 1 Bread grass (Brachiaria brizantha) Karanga, Serengeti 1, Marendu (CIAT 6780) 1,2 Growth form and life span: It is a tall (growing up to 2m), erect grass, forming distinct clumps. If grown in its specific climate and soil conditions (see below) it is a perennial grass (long lived up to 3 years) 1, 2 Climate and soil conditions required: B. brizantha can be used in a wide range of situations. It is recommended for wet/dry tropics with long dry season but also for cooler conditions 1 (temperature below 10 C with frost risk during the cold season 2 ). It Grows and persists well on moderately fertile, acid soils 1,2, but needs slightly higher fertility than B. decumbens and B. humidicola for good growth 1. Ways of use: As it stays green late into the dry season 1 (but not as late as P. maximum or B. decumbens. 2 ) and it is perennial, it is recommended for fodder production. As for many others tall and erect grass (Panicum maximum, paspalum atratum, penisetum purpureum ) it is specially suitable for cutting (recommended 1 ) but can also be grazed (possible 1 ). Because of its shape (erect grass, distinct clumps), it can also possibly be used for hedgerows. Its strong root system allow good soil structure improvement. However, killing it to use it as a mulch for direct sowing requires 5l/ha of glyphosate (3l/ha only for B. ruziziensis). Grass reproduction: B. brizantha has better seed production than B. decumbens 1, but seeds fall easily, especially if rains occur when seeds are ripe 2. Reproduction by cuttings (see technical form (F), sowing method) is often easier. Warning: It should not be fed to goats, sheep and young cattle (under 1 year old) as any other kind of Brachiaria sp (except B. humidicola which can be given in small quantities). If fed large amounts, these animals can suffer from photosensitization which often results in death. 1

2 2 Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) Basilisk 1,2 Growth form and life span: It is a vigorous, medium-high (growing to 1m), grass, forming distinct clumps. If grown in its specific climate and soil conditions (see below) it is a perennial grass (long lived up to 3 years) 1, 2 Climate and soil conditions required: As cv brizantha, B. decumbens can be used in a wide range of situations. It is recommended for wet/dry tropics with long dry season but also for cooler conditions 1 (temperature below 10 C with frost risk during the cold season 2 ). It Grows and will persist on moderately fertile, acid soils 1,2. Basilik is better suited to lower soil fertility and longer dry season than B. brizantha. Ways of use: As it stays green late into the green season 1, 2 and is perennial, it is recommended for fodder production. As for others short or medium high grass (B. humidicola, ruziziensis ) it is specially suitable for grazing (recommended 1 ) but can also be cut and carried out from the plot (possible 1 ). Its strong root system allow good soil structure improvement. However, killing it to use it as a mulch for direct sowing requires 5l/ha of glyphosate (3l/ha only for B. ruziziensis). Grass reproduction: Seed production is often poor in Southeast Asia 1. Seeds fall easily if rains occur when seeds are ripe and plastic bags on panicles often are required to collect seeds 2. Moreover, planting from seeds can be unreliable because seed quality is often poor 1,2. Reproduction by rooted cuttings (see technical form (F), sowing method) should be prefered. Warning It should not be fed to goats, sheep and young cattle (under 1 year old) as any other kind of Brachiaria sp (except B. humidicola which can be given in small quantities). If fed large amounts, these animals can suffer from photosensitization which often results in death. 1

3 3 Koronivia grass (Brachiaria humidicola) Some varieties of B. Humidicola (as CIAT 6133) were previously classified as B. Dictyoneura Tully, Yanero 1,2 (Yanero was previously known as Brachiaria dictyoneura CIAT 6133) Growth form and life span: It is an aggressive, low growing grass. It spreads quickly via stolons. If grown in its specific climate and soil conditions (see below) it is a perennial grass (long lived up to 3 years) 1, 2 Climate and soil conditions required: B. humidicola will grow in a wide range of soils, from very infertile, acid soils to high ph sandy soils. It grows best in the wet tropics with no or short dry season. It is tolerant of waterlogging (like P. atratum) and is also adapted to cooler conditions 1 (temperature below 10 C with frost risk during the cold season 2 ). As A. pintoi, it can also be used in moderate shade conditions. Ways of use: Being low growing both varieties are less suitable for cutand-carry than other Brachiaria spp, but can tolerate heavy grazing. Both varieties are well suited for erosion control (the soil is sewed by its dense root system). Their excellent root systems allow a rapid soil structure improvement. However, killing it to use it as a mulch for direct sowing requires 5l/ha of glyphosate (3l/ha only for B. ruziziensis). Grass reproduction: Seed production is often poor in Southeast Asia. Reproduction by stolons (see technical form (F), sowing method) is recommended. Warning In contrast with other Brachiaria species, B. humidicola can be fed to goats, sheep and young cattle (under 1 year old) but in small quantities only. Furthermore both varieties have a lower feed quality than other Brachiaria sp. 1

4 4 Ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) Ruzi 1 2 Growth form and life span: It is a leafy, medium-height, stoloniferous grass. Its growth is fast and biomass produced is important 2 (about 15 t/ha dry matter after 3 months). It is a perennial grass (long lived up to 3 years) 1 but its life span varies with climate and soils conditions (see below) 2 Climate and soil conditions required: It is well adapted to well-drained, moderately-to-fertile soils in high rainfall areas. It is not well suited to infertile soils or areas with a long dry season (then tends to disappear the second year). It doesn t also recover well after frost or long cold periods 2 (temperature frequently below 10 C). Ways of use: As a high biomass is produced quickly, and seed production is easy, Brachiaria ruziziensis is recommended for mulched systems (see technical forms A, D, D1, D2) or systems integrating crop and fodder production (see system D3). In good conditions, it provides higher quality forage than other Brachiaria species. Then, it can be either grazed (recommended) or cut (also possible). As B. humidicola, B. ruziziensis (both are stoloniferous grass) is recommended for ground cover and erosion control. Its strong root system allow good soil structure improvement. It can be killed easily with 3l/ha of glyphosate to be used as a mulch for direct sowing. Grass reproduction: Seed production is high. Moreover seed quality and germination is usually high (up to 60%). It can be easily planted from seeds or stolons. Warning It should never be fed to goats, sheep and young cattle (under 1 year old) as any other kind of Brachiaria spp (expect B. humidicola that can be given in small quantities). If fed large amounts, these animals can suffer from photosensitization which often results in death. 1

5 5 Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) Si Muang 1 2 Growth form and life span: It is a tall (growing up to 2m), erect grass, forming distinct clumps. If grown in its specific climate and soil conditions (see below) it is a perennial grass (long lived up to 3 years) 1, 2 Climate and soil conditions required: Compare to B. brizantha it is recommended for areas with a short or no dry season (even if it can survive in areas with long dry season). It requires better soil fertility than Brachiaria spp; manure or fertilisers are required to maintain good growth. Ways of use: As it stays green late into the green 2, 1, is perennial and produces high quality feed, it is especially recommended for fodder production. As for many others tall and erect grass (B. brizantha, Paspalum atratum, Penisetum purpureum ) it is specially suitable for cutting (recommended 1 ) but can also be grazed (possible 1 ). But fodder becomes stemmy if not cut frequently. Because of its shape (erect grass, distinct clumps), it can also possibly be used as hedgerows. Its strong root system allow good soil structure improvement. However, killing it to use it as a mulch for direct sowing requires 5 to 7l/ha of glyphosate (3l/ha only for B. ruziziensis). Grass reproduction: It can easily be established from rooted cuttings or seed. Seed production of Si Muang is high but you can experience some difficulties with others varieties (seeds falling down, lot of empty seeds, etc.).

6 6 Paspalum, Buffalo Grass (Paspalum atratum) Terenos 1 2 Growth form and life span: It is a tall (growing up to 2m), erect grass, forming distinct clumps. If grown in its specific climate and soil conditions (see below) it is a perennial grass (long lived up to 3 years) 1, 2 Climate and soil conditions required: It grows well in wet tropics with short or no dry season (it survives but is not suited to long dry seasons) and also in cooler areas 1 (temperature below 10 C with frost risk during the cold season 2 ). It grows on infertile, acid soils 1,2. Like B. humidicola, P. atratum can tolerate waterlogging better than others. 1 Ways of use: It is a good choice as fodder for moderately fertile and infertile soils in the wet tropics. It is really appreciated by animals, even if it can become coarse and unpalatable during the dry season, and has fast regrowth. It can be cut or grazed (both recommended 1 ). As B. brizantha, it can also possibly be used for hedgerows. Paspalum atratum is good to feed fish and can be sown around fish ponds. Its root system is not as good as Brachiaria species or Panicum one for soil structure improvement. Furthermore, its control with herbicide is not as easy as with others grasses: its use as cover crop for mulch is not recommended. Grass reproduction: It can be planted from seed, but also is easily propagated using rooted tillers 1, 2

7 7 Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and hybrids Local varieties, Bana Grass (p. purpureum x p. typhoides) 2 Growth form and life span: It is a tall (growing up to 2m), erect, perennial (life span up to 3 years) grass, forming distinct clumps. 1, 2 Climate and soil conditions required: It is recommended for wet tropics with no or short dry season and can also be grown in cooler conditions 1 (temperature below 10 C with frost risk during the cold season 2 ). They are leafy and productive species in soils of high fertility, but are less robust and persistent under declining fertility or during dry periods (not suited to long dry season). Ways of use: They produce high quality feed and thus are recommended for fodder production. As for many others tall and erect grass (Panicum maximum, paspalum atratum, B. brizantha ) it is specially suitable for cutting. It is not recommended to let it grazed 1. They must be cut frequently to remain leafy (if allowed to grow tall up to 1,5 m- they produce a lot of unpalatable stem). It can also possibly be used for hedgerows or plots limitation, although all Pennisetum varieties need a lot of nutrients and tend to compete with nearby crops. As they are best suited for high soil fertility and high rainfall conditions, it is preferable to plant them nearby houses or cowsheds. Grass reproduction: They can easily be planted from stem cuttings 1, 2.

8 8 Legumes Pinto peanut (Arachis pintoi) Itacambira 1, Amarillo 1,2 Growth form and life span: It is a vigorous stoloniferous legume that forms a dense green carpet usually with a mass of yellow flowers. It is a perennial grass (long lived up to 3 years) 1, 2 Climate and soil conditions required: It is recommended for wet tropics with short or no dry season. It needs moderately fertile soils and is not suited for areas with a long dry season except in cooler areas 1. Ways of use: It is persistent especially under heavy grazing. Unlike others legumes, A. pintoi needs to be cut or grazed frequently to improve its yield and persistence 1. It is a high quality feed for all animals including chickens, ducks and pigs. It is specially recommended as ground cover in areas sensitive to erosion or under trees since it grows well in light to moderate shade. Legume reproduction: A. pintoi can be (and should be) easily established from stolons and rooted cuttings. Establishment from seed is easy, provided good seed is available (as a peanut seeds are produced under ground- harvest is difficult. Moreover seed quality falls quickly during storage 1 )

9 9 Legumes Also called alfalfa from Brazil Stylosanthes guianensis Stylo 184 1,2 (variety resistant to the fungal disease anthracnose) Growth form and life span: It is a short-lived perennial legume (2-3 years) that grows into a small shrub with some woody stems. Climate and soil conditions required: It can be used in a wide range of situations (from short to long dry season, also in cooler areas, different soils fertility ) but is one of the few herbaceous legumes which will grow well on unfertile, acid soils 1, 2. It will not grow well on very alkaline soils (ph >8). 1 Ways of use: As it is long to establish the first year, but competes well once established, it is preferable to plant it in association with cassava (see form E) or trees (moderate shade required) at main crop weeding 2. As an erect, robust, highly productive legume, it is usually grown as a cover crop that is cut every 2-3 months (it is not tolerant of heavy grazing or frequent cutting). It is a good quality feed supplement for animals including chickens, pigs and fish. Stylo 184 can be fed fresh or dried for hay and processed into leaf meal. 1 It does not tolerate being cut close to the ground since they are buds on the lower stem for regrowth. This can be improved by making the first cut at 10-20cm to encourage branching close to the ground. Subsequent cuts must be made higher (> 25 cm) to ensure good regrowth. Legume reproduction: it is usually planted from seed, although some farmers are using stem cuttings. Seed production is possible in most areas but is best in areas with a distinct dry season 1. If humidity remains high at the beginning of the dry season seed production will remain very low 2. Having a thick envelop, seeds have to be scarified before sowing to increase germination rate 2.

10 10 Legumes Mucuna pruriens (cv. Utilis) or stylozobium aterinum Local varieties, grey seeds 2 Growth form and life span: It is a vigorous creeping, twinning legume. Varieties tested disappear during the cold-and-dry season and have to be re-established every year. 2 Climate and soil conditions required: varieties need moderately fertile, well-drained soils for good growth. They grow best in the wet tropics with a short dry season. They do not tolerate waterlogged nor compacted soils. 2 Ways of use: As an aggressive, fast-growing plant, it is recommended for weed control and mulch production in direct sowing systems (see form B) but also for erosion prevention. They are also a high-quality feed for animals and can be grown together with tall grasses (such as maize, millet or sorghum; to be careful in association with trees) for cut and carry feed (more recommended than grazing). It cannot stand heavy cutting or grazing. They grow best if left to re-grow for long periods after cutting (more than 6 weeks) and if cut not close to the ground. M. pruriens can also be used to reclaim land infested with Imperata cylindrica 2. Legume reproduction: M. pruriens has to be grown from seed. It flowers and produces seed early in the dry season. Seed production is easy but yields are high only if it is grown on trellises (eg. on fence lines, tall stems etc ).

11 11 Legumes Cassia rotundifolia Wynn 2 Growth form and life span: It is a creeping, twinning, perennial (long lived up to 3 years) legume. 2 Climate and soil conditions required: It requires moderately fertile, well-drained soils for good growth. It grows best in the wet tropics with a short dry season. It does not tolerate waterlogged nor compacted soils. 2 Ways of use: As a stoloniferous legume, it is recommended to control weeds and prevent erosion (the soil is sewed ). It might be used as ground cover under trees (moderate shade conditions; to be confirmed). It is also a good-quality feed for animals but requires to be dried before being eaten. It cannot stand heavy grazing since it is sensible when walked on but wynn recovers well. 2 Legume reproduction: it can be easily planted from seed. It flowers and produces seeds early in the dry season. Seed production is high and harvest can be done almost every 3 weeks. Seeds are small. Seed envelop is thick and better germination rates are obtained after scarification.