Theory question 102
Pasture and Forage(a) Complete the table below on forage crops.
Botanical name | Common name | Type of forage
Pennisetum purpureum | (i) | Grass
Calopogonium mucunoides | (ii) | (iii)
(iv) | Stylo | (v)
Panicum maxinium | (vi) | (vii)
Mucuna utilis | (viii) | Legume
(b)(i) Define the term pasture. (ii) State four ways in which grass-legume mixture is important in livestock production. (c) State six characteristics of rangelands.
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(a) (i) elephant grass/Napier grass; (ii) calopo; (iii) legume; (iv) Stylosanthes spp. (e.g. S. guianensis, S. gracilis); (v) legume; (vi) Guinea grass; (vii) grass; (viii) velvet bean
(b)(i) Pasture: an area of land on which grasses and/or legumes grow (naturally or planted) for animals to graze
(ii) Any four: gives a more balanced diet (protein from legumes, energy from grasses); legumes fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility; higher total yield; more palatable forage; better ground cover against erosion and weeds; grasses support the legumes; extends the grazing season
(c) Any six: large expanse of natural land; made of natural grasses, legumes and shrubs; low nutritive value, especially in the dry season; low carrying capacity; prone to bush fires; not fertilized or managed; seasonal growth; harbours pests and diseases; can withstand trampling; used for extensive grazing
Write the botanical names in italics.