The Establishment of Desirable Grass/Legume Mixtures in Unimproved Grassland by Planting Root Splits

Abstract

Desnzodium intortum Urb; D. uncinatum Jacq. and Trifolium semipilosum Fres. Were established in unimproved grassland of western Kenya by planting root splits. A better legume survival was achieved when legume seedlings in jiffy pots were planted. Stylosanthes gracilis H.B.K., failed to establish rom root splits but established when legume seedlings in jiffy pots were planted. The Desmodium spp. made up 34-43 per cent of the botanical composition 10 months after planting and increased the total dry matter and crude protein significantly in the establishment year. Root splits of Cynodon dactylon L., Setaria sphacelafa (Schumach) Stapf and Chloris gayana Kunth. were also planted in unimproved grassland. Sixteen months after planting, the contribution of these grasses to the total herbage production was negligible.