Water stress affects the germination, emergence, and growth of different sorghum cultivars

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of water deficit stress on the germination, emergence and seedling growth of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] using Completely Randomised Block Design in four replications. Five sorghum cultivars (Jigurti, Gambella 1107, Meko, 76 T1 #23 and P9403) were evaluated under three water deficit stress treatments (0, -0.20 and -0.85 MPa) using PEG as an osmoticum (Experiment I) and under four varying growing media water contents (100, 60, 40 and 20% of field capacity) using sand (Experiment II). In both experiments, water deficit stress significantly reduced the rate and percentage of germination and emergence and early seedlings growth. Coleoptile, mesocotyl, radicle, and seedling shoot and root lengths, as well as root area were adversely affected by water deficit stress. Cultivars differed in the rate and percentage of germination, and emergence and seedling growth. Gambella 1107, Meko and P9403 had significantly (

Elevation of shoot-apices of two ecotypes of Themeda triandra on the Transvaal Highveld

In a series of investigations from 1965 to 1970 on the Transvaal Highveld it was found that the elevation of shoot apices of two ecotypes of Themeda triandra was affected by season, ecotype and treatment. The absence of defoliation increased the susceptibility of the ecotypes to defoliation, whereas the shorter the defoliation the greater the subsequent resistance to grazing. The most important finding was the general application of earlier research findings from Natal was not possible in this case.Keywords: elevations|shoots|apices|ecotypes|Transvaal|Gauteng Province|Highveld|grasses|seasons|treatments|defoliations|grazing|KwaZulu Natal Province|veld management|burning regimes|mowin

The seasonal growth patterns of a Tall Grassveld sward

The growth patterns of a Tall Grassveld sward measured with an inclined point and by clipping and weighing were determined by moisture conditions except in winter when temperature was limiting. The inclined point as a method of determining yield which might replace clipping and weighing, holds promise but is unlikely to be used in its present form because of difficulties in the determination of a strike and the changing relationship between the number of strikes and actual yield during the season.Keywords: swards|plants|methods|yields|moisture|weights|clipping|seasonal patterns|grasslands|growth|growth patterns|veld|tall grasse

The influence of time of defoliation on the vigour of a tall grassveld sward in the next season

The time of defoliation exercised a significant influence on both the production of the sward and the regrowth potential of Themeda triandra in the season subsequent to treatment. In the spring following treatment the regrowth potential of T. triandra and the actual sward regrowth followed similar trends. Highest spring yields were obtained after a cut during spring and summer while much lower yields were obtained following a cut during autumn and winter.Keywords: seasons|Natal|cutting trials|yields|regrowth potentials|production|tall grassvelds|tall grasses|defoliations|time effects|influences|sward

Research Note:Level of nitrogen fertilization and the dry matter yield of Digitaria eriantha cv. Irene in the Transvaal middleveld

N fertilizer was applied as a single dressing in spring at 0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320kg N ha–1 a–1 to an established Digitaria eriantha pasture, previously used as a hay crop. The only significant increase in dry matter (DM) production yield was obtained with 80kg N ha–1 a–1. The DM production per unit of Nitrogen (N) applied also reached a maximum with 80kg N ha–1 a–1. The distribution of rainfall also influenced DM yield.Keywords: botany; Digitaria eriantha; dry matter yield; fertilization; Hatfield Experimental Farm; nitrogen; South Africa; Transvaal; yieldAfrican Journal of Range and Forage Science 1995, 12(2): 87–8

Overseeding of Eragrostis curvula on North-Eastern Sandy Highveld

A small plot trial to investigate the possibilities of directing changes in the botanical composition of fertilized veld by oversowing demonstrated the potential of this technique for the establishment of improved pastures in non-arable situations. The improved return on fertilization, obtained by this technique, can also radically alter the attitude of many workers to veld fertilization.Keywords: fertilisation|Gauteng Province|Transvaal|Ermelo|pastures|establishments|sowing|veld|fertilised areas|botanical compositions|Highveld|seeding|technique

Effect of seeding rate and espacement on the production of dryland Medicago Sativa on two soil forms on the Eastern Transvaal Highveld

Dryland lucerne on a Longlands soil form produced 40% more material than on a Hutton soil form. There was also highly significant variation from season to season with greater variation and risk on drier soils. For all practical purpose the seeding rates and espacements used in this trial had no effect on yields. Unpredictable growth rates during the season as a result of rainfall distribution, aggravated by the species tendency to drop leaves when under stress, makes a conservative stocking rate desirable when the crop is utilized as grazing. African Journal of Range and Forage Science Vol. 18 (1)1983: pp.53_5

Veld condition in the south-eastern Transvaal and its effect on grazing capacity.

Reports the results of a survey conducted on sites throughout the south eastern Transvaal, which confirmed the parlous state of composition, cover and vigour. Discusses the implications which these conditions hold, not only for conservation of resources, but for the livestock industry in this area, with special reference to the current grazing capacity of the veld; A survey conducted on sites throughout the south-eastern Transvaal, representing 1,4 million hectares of natural veld has confirmed the parlous state of composition, cover and vigour. The implications which these conditions hold, not only for conservation of soil and water resources, but also for the livestock industry in this area, with specific reference to the current grazing capacity of the veld, are discussed.Keywords: basal cover; botanical composition; composition; conservation; current grazing capacity; grazing capacity; problem species; south africa; survey; transvaal; veld condition; Veld conditions; Veld cover; Veld vigour; vigour; water resourcesJournal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa

Influence on a North-Eastern Sandy Highveld sward of winter utilization by sheep

North-Eastern Sandy Highveld was utilized selectively by sheep grazing alone in winter with a supplementary lick. Winter utilization in four consecutive years had no detrimental effect on production, cover or seed production but care should be exercised in recommending this practice because of the tendency to start "winter" grazing in the critical months and to continue grazing into spring.Keywords: influences|Highveld|swards|winter habitat uses|sheep|selective grazing|supplementary feeding|production|farming|grass cover|seed production|grazing|autumn|spring|Ermelo|Transvaal|Gauteng Province|stocking rates|species list

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

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 sheepJournal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa