Growth curves from two sources of nitrogen at levels ranging from 0 kg N to 240 kg N/ha indicated DM yields of 2 000 kg/ha to 13 000 kg/ha from Pennisetum clandestinum at various localities in the Natal Region. Once the basal requirement of potassium has been met, additional K does not affect kikuyu production. However, applications of nitrogen and phosphate are additive in production response. The Whittet seeding kikuyu was not superior to the non?seeding ecotype in production potential. On grazed kikuyu about 40% of the nitrogen is recycled. Infrequent, severe defoliations are more likely to maintain clover in kikuyu pastures than will frequent, light defoliations.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.