Southern African pasture and forage science entering the 21st century: past to present

Abstract

Confucius once said that there are three methods we learn wisdom: firstly, by reflection, which is the noblest; secondly, by imitation, which is the easiest; and thirdly, by experience, which is the bitterest. The purpose of this review is to highlight how research priorities in pasture and forage sciences have evolved in southern Africa from the early 20th century into the second decade of the 21st century. Peer-reviewed scientific publications of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa form the basis of the review, which (1) identifies the main fields of pasture and forage science research, (2) evaluates and prioritises the main findings and progress within each of these research fields, and (3) makes recommendations regarding future research priorities. The history of southern African pasture and forage sciences has created a steady foundation for the further growth and development of this discipline in the 21st century. This science, together with rangeland science (which is not discussed in this paper), will remain and become a more important component of a sustainable solution in ensuring food security in the world, by means of animal production and degraded land rehabilitation. A reflection on the 20th century In 1888 F Blersch, the principal of the Agricultural School at the Victoria College, in Stellenbosch, identified the need for improved pasture plants. In the early 1900s research on pasture species escalated. Cooperative trials were initiated with farmers and much attention was given to subtropical grasses (Hall 1934). Towards the end of the decade in 1907-1908, the increased need for winter pastures was identified. Many reports concluded that imported grasses were performing better than natural species. The year 1908 saw the introduction of some of our well-known exotic species, with no further

Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales Vol.8 No.2 [May 2020]

“…Despite C. nlemfuensis being easy to establish, persistent, highly productive and adapted to different climate and soil conditions, this species does not withstand high-intensity grazing for long periods. After defoliation by grazing the plants consume organic reserves for restoration of tissues lost and then physiological activity is adjusted as the stocks of reserves are gradually restored (Sollenberger 2008;Truter et al 2015).…”

“…In this region in the last 50 years, large areas of natural forest have been converted into pasture using the slashand-burn method. Estrella grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) is grown for grazing by cattle (Truter et al 2015).…”

Alkaloids of narrow-leaved lupine as a factor determining alternative ways of the crop’s utilization and breeding

“…The practice of pasturing sheep and calves on harvested fields where grain and fodder lupine cultivars were grown is widespread in Australia (Gladstones, 1970). It should be mentioned that the regrown lupine stubble is not the only valuable grazing resource in a harvested field: leftover seeds are also a bonus -their losses at harvesting range from 150 to 400 kg/ha (Truter et al, 2015).…”

Tropical and subtropical forage germplasm conservation and science on their deathbed! 2. Genebanks, FAO and donors must take urgent steps to overcome the crisis

“…Pensiero and Zabala, 2017), but limited funds prevent travel outside the country. The lack of travel opportunity appears to be restricting the thinking of researchers regarding future needs due to climate and other changes, and how they might apply to their own regions (Muir et al, 2014;Pensiero and Zabala, 2017;Truter et al, 2015). Despite the many benefits that could flow from collaboration (Figure 4), globally, few key genebank personnel have ever met each other.…”