Star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Harl.) In the Eastern Cape.

Abstract

The growth and production of star grass in the coastal belt north east of East London, and the live mass production of tollies on this pasturage over a period of four years are discussed. The period of maximum production takes place from January to the end of February, after which it drops sharply. A live mass gain of 998 kg/ha is obtained at an optimum stocking rate of 9,06 tollies/ha. The most profitable stocking rate was calculated at 7,83 tollies/ha with a calculated live mass gain of 979 kg/ha. The calculated profit/ha at the most profitable stocking rate is R155.

Keywords: afrikaans; cynodon nlemfuensis; east london; eastern cape; grass; grasses; growth; live mass gain; maximum production; optimum stocking rate; production; south africa; star grass; stocking rate