Theory question 105
Pasture and Forage Crops(a) Explain what is meant by natural grassland.
(b) State five characteristics of natural grassland.
(c) List four grasses and three pasture legumes commonly found in natural grasslands.
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(a) Natural grassland (range) is land covered mainly by grasses and some legumes and scattered shrubs that grow naturally without being planted, used for grazing
(b) Any five: grows without planting; mixture of many species, some unpalatable; low yield and quality; seasonal growth (lush in rains, dry in dry season); often has weeds and shrubs; not fertilised or managed; subject to bush fires; low carrying capacity
(c) Grasses (any four): spear grass, guinea grass, elephant grass, gamba grass, giant star grass, Bahama grass, carpet grass. Legumes (any three): Centrosema, Stylosanthes, Calopogonium, Pueraria (kudzu), wild cowpea
Define, five characteristics, then name species.