Production of pasture species in the winter rainfall region: Simulation of dry matter production.

Abstract

Production data derived from cutting trials undertaken at a number of sites in the winter rainfall region were used to derive equations for the prediction of the yield of a number of pasture species. Inputs into the models include climatic data (temperature, sunshine hours, pan evaporation and rainfall) and, where appropriate, an index of soil potential. The models developed for each of the species tested were validated, using a set of independent data. The success of this validation suggest that relatively simple models may be effective in predicting yield for the species tested.Language: English

Keywords: climatic data; Clover; cutting; Dry matter; dry matter production; evaporation; Kikuyu; Lucerne; Medics; models; pasture; Pasture species; production; south africa; Temperate grasses; Winter rainfall; winter rainfall region; yield