T.G.H. STOCKWELL

Range/Livestock Section, Agricultural Research Corporation, Western Sudan Agricultural Research Project, Kadugli, Sudan

Abstract

Two legumes and eight grasses were evaluated in small plots as potential pasture species for three distinct areas of the Katherine region. In the two drier areas there had been little previous quantitative regional testing of legume or grass species. Sowings were made on cultivated and uncultivated land. Data were recorded as plant numbers in year 1 and dry matter in years 2 and 3 partitioned into legume leaf and stem, and green and dry fractions of grass. Surface seed reserves were also recorded each dry season. Over 3 average or better years it was shown that none of the grass species would establish on uncultivated seedbeds. However, with cultivation, the species Bothriochloa pertusa cv. Bowen and Andropogon gayanus cv. Kent outperformed the standard species of Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Gayndah and Urochloa mosambicensis cv. Nixon. Stylosanthes scabra cv. Fitzroy established and outyielded S. hamata cv. Verano. Both legumes persisted well after being sown on to uncultivated seedbeds following a burn in the early wet season. Reducing competition from native grasses, perhaps with grazing, may be necessary in environments similar to the Katherine Experiment Farm site, to improve establishment of legumes, especially Verano.