A comparison of manuring, mulching, and cultivation of Eragrostis curvula hay pasture

Abstract

Whereas cultivation had a detrimental effect on the production of Eragrostis curvula established in broadcast stands, both manuring and mulching had beneficial effects. This effect may be ascribed largely to better moisture conditions achieved with mulching although, at high rates of manuring, additional benefits could also be ascribed to the circulation of nutrients. The cost effectiveness of manuring is, however, doubtful. Although manuring improves the response to inorganic fertilization it will not reduce the need for such fertilization. The application of manure at 20t ha^-1 on large areas would be preferable to 40t ha^-1 on smaller areas, but this can only be recommended where costs are debited to feedlot waste product disposal.

Keywords: cultivation; eragrostis curvula; fertilization; hay; nooitgedacht research station; nutrients; pasture; production; south africa

African Journal of Range & Forage Science, Vol. 10(1), pp. 72-75