Theory question 105
Pasture and Forage Crops(a) List ten common grass and legume species of Nigeria pastures, giving their common and botanical names.
(b) Discuss three factors affecting the distribution of pastures in Nigeria.
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(a) Any ten with correct botanical names, e.g. grasses: elephant grass – Pennisetum purpureum; guinea grass – Panicum maximum; giant star grass – Cynodon plectostachyus; carpet grass – Axonopus compressus; spear grass – Imperata cylindrica; Gamba grass – Andropogon gayanus; Bahama grass – Cynodon dactylon. Legumes: centro – Centrosema pubescens; stylo – Stylosanthes gracilis; kudzu – Pueraria phaseoloides; calopo – Calopogonium mucunoides; cowpea – Vigna unguiculata
(b) Any three, discussed: rainfall (amount and distribution); temperature; soil type and fertility; topography; grazing pressure/management; pests, diseases and bush burning; light intensity
Write the common name and the two-part botanical name for each species.