The feasibility of establishing perennial forage legumes in veld has been investigated at Grasslands Research Station, Marandellas. Of the species tested, Stylosanthes guyanensis (stylo) appeared most suitable. Reduction of competition from veld grasses was essential for satisfactory establishment of the legume; this was best achieved by shallow discing which also produced a suitable seedbed. The density of stylo seedlings was affected by seeding rate and degree of soil preparation. More plants established from 4,5 kg/ha of seed broadcast onto disced soil than from 18,0 kg/ha sown onto undisturbed ground. Periodic grazing during the season of establishment had no effect on seedling density. Herbage yields followed the same trends as stylo density. Yields from the plots with the greatest density of stylo plants were more than twice those from the plots with the lowest density. Seeding stylo into disced veld raised dry matter yields 50% and crude protein yields 300%, although yields of grass were reduced by the addition of the legume. Annual applications of 112 kg superphosphate/ ha had no effect on yields.
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.