Morphological and productivity responses of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) ecotypes to simulated grazing in a semi‐arid environment

Abstract

Background Livestock production is an economically significant activity in grassland‐based production systems with herbivory, a critical process in modifying plant structure and regulating biomass dynamics in these areas. Methods A grazing simulation experiment was undertaken in a semi‐arid environment in Kenya to determine the effects of clipping frequency and intensity on the morphology and productivity of Cenchrus ciliaris and Panicum maximum grass ecotypes. The ecotypes were clipped at different frequencies (every 2, 4, and 12 weeks) and different intensities (5, 10, and 15 cm clipping heights). The morphological responses of the grass ecotypes and biomass yields were determined. Results The grass ecotypes showed significantly (p < 0.05) varied responses to cutting frequency and intensity. Morphological parameters, tillering, and biomass production were all affected by clipping frequency and intensity. The highest dry matter (DM) yields were recorded under low frequency (LF) clipping, followed by moderate frequency (MF) clipping and high frequency (HF) clipping. LF clipping in C. ciliaris ecotype Kilifi was 20% and 31% more compared to MF and HF clipping. No significant difference in yields was found by cutting the C. ciliaris ecotype Magadi at 4‐ and 12‐week intervals, even though clipping at 2‐week intervals cumulatively yielded less biomass. There was a biomass yield reduction in P. maximum ecotype Taveta of 23% and 25% for MF and HF clipping, respectively, while for ecotype Isinya, the reduction was 13% and 15% for MF and HF, respectively. Clipping intensity had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on cumulative yields in C. ciliaris ecotypes, but not P. maximum. Ecotypic differences were apparent in both C. ciliaris and P. maximum ecotype DM yields. Conclusions The results in this study suggest that clipping range grass ecotypes less frequently (4‐ and 12‐week intervals) and at 10 and 15 cm stubble heights results in higher biomass yields. Generally, LF and MF grazing and cutting strategies are advantageous for semi‐arid lands. Combinations of frequent and high‐intensity utilization grazing strategies should be discouraged as they are likely to lead to reduced biomass yields and negative effects both on grasses and on the environment.

Optimizing Productivity of Buffel and Sudan Grasses Using Optimal Nitrogen Fertilizer Application under Arid Conditions

“…The results agree with Iptas and Brohi's [48] findings, which recorded an escalation in the number of tillers with nitrogen application in Sudan grass. From the aforementioned growth parameters, it is clear that nitrogen fertilizer application positively and significantly affects the growth of both kinds of grass [5].…”

“…Water scarcity comes about when the available sources fail to satisfy the long-term requirements of a region [1]. Responding to recurrent droughts and associated disasters, different players have been endorsing fodder cultivation as an approach to increase animal feed availability, with the goal being to provide enough forage to sustain the domestic livestock in the dry periods and as a supplementary source of revenue through the selling of grass seeds for reseeding and hay [5,6].…”

“…Nonetheless, the choice of grass to be used as fodder is key for optimal livestock production. Reduced grasslands in semi-arid areas have forced livestock farmers to explore different choices such as intensification through planting fodder grasses so that they meet the animal feed requirements [5,8,9].…”

“…Buffel grass (C. ciliaris) is among the grasses commonly grown for fodder and as a cover crop in arid and semiarid lands (ASALs) [5]. The grass originated from southern Asia and larger parts of Africa, from where it spreads to different parts of the world.…”

A Genome-Wide Association Study of Biomass Yield and Feed Quality in Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)

“…Under no input production conditions, it can produce up to 18 t DM (dry matter)/ha/annum [25] and forage with a crude protein content of 6-16% [22]. Buffel grass has been reported to produce DM yields of up to 12 t/ha in Kenya [26,27], 8 t/ha in USA [28], 7 t/ha in Pakistan [29] and 21 t/ha in Ethiopia [30]. Improved forage varieties that are better adapted to produce more quality biomass across a range of agroecologies and production systems are a prerequisite and are required more than ever for supporting enhanced livestock production in a sustainable manner [31].…”