Performance of Medicago sativa under dryland conditions on the eastern highveld.

Abstract

Reports the results of research conducted into pasture establishment using legumes. Examines possible strategies for integrating dryland lucerne into livestock production systems on the eastern Highveld. Focuses on livestock production from pure and mixed lucerne pastures; Increased livestock numbers and improved animal performance based on dryland lucerne pastures requiring little or no nitrogenous fertiliser have been demonstrated to be feasible on the eastern highveld. With large scale planting of lucerne-based pasture (25% of arable land) 350 to 500% more sheep products can be delivered at a lower cost. When lucerne is included in crop rotations the production cost of grain can also be reduced. The increased usage of lucerne-based pastures, especially for sheep and dairy enterprises, will also reduce the pressure on natural pasture and improve the conservation of vegetation, soil and water resources.

Keywords: animal performance; beef steers; botany; crop rotation; cultivation; digitaria eriantha; Dryland conditions; Eastern Highveld; eragrostis curvula; espacement; Grass/lucerne mixtures; livestock; lucerne mixtures; medicago sativa; pastures; sheep; soil forms; south africa; transvaal; water resources; Woolled sheep

Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa.