Soil quality characteristics of kikuyu–ryegrass pastures in South Africa

Swanepoel, Pieter A.; Preez, C. C. du; Botha, Philip R.; Snyman, H.A.; Habig, Johan

doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.06.018

Cited by 43 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Similarly, penetration resistance was a measure of mechanical impedance and which also increased with depth. The critical threshold for penetration resistance based on impeding root elongation in the southern Cape region of South Africa is 3000 kPa (Mendoza et al ., ; Swanepoel et al ., ). Penetration resistance was lower than the critical threshold at depths of 0–100 and 100–200 mm, but exceeded the threshold in the 200–300 mm depth layer.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…(, , ) have identified physical, chemical and biological indicators that have a functional role in pasture systems in South Africa. Subsequently, a selection of seven soil quality indicators that conveyed the most useful information for determining soil quality status was determined (Swanepoel et al ., ) and evaluated (Swanepoel et al ., ). However, these studies did not relate soil properties to herbage yield.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tillage effects, soil quality and production potential of kikuyu–ryegrass pastures in South Africa

Swanepoel

Habig

Preez

et al. 2016

Grass and Forage Science

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Soil quality of tillage systems receives much attention worldwide, although few studies attempt to link soil quality to yield. Partial least‐squares regression analysis is a suitable method to construct predictive models around plural, highly collinear factors, such as soil quality and its effects on yield. This study aimed at identifying the soil quality properties which best model pasture herbage yield by relating soil quality indicators with variations in yield as a result of soil disturbance caused by tillage. The study was conducted on kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) over‐sown with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) using different tillage methods. Tillage methods involved over‐sowing kikuyu with ryegrass using a minimum‐tillage seed drill, eradication of kikuyu with herbicide and ryegrass sown with a minimum‐tillage planter, shallow and deep disturbance, and a control. Most changes in soil quality indicators as a result of soil tillage were observed shortly after tillage and occurred mostly at the 0–100 mm soil layer. Few of these effects were still visible 420 d after tillage. Microbiological indicators changed most in response to the treatments, but unlike the chemical and physical indicators, microbiological indicators have no causal link to pasture production. The contribution of individual soil quality indicators to variance in pasture productivity could not be isolated and should thus be seen as complex processes which affect yield. Although mechanisms of how some soil quality indicators affect yield is clear, more research is required to determine mechanisms of how a combination of multiple soil quality indicators affects yield.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tillage effects, soil quality and production potential of kikuyu–ryegrass pastures in South Africa

Swanepoel

Habig

Preez

et al. 2016

Grass and Forage Science

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“…P nutrient is a macro nutrient that plants need for increased production (Swanopoel et al 2014). P-value provided the highest in the site Sanggang, while the lowest is Parangjorosite.…”

Section: Based Onmentioning

confidence: 99%

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et al. 2017

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“…Of increasing concern is widespread evidence of the topsoils of many intensive pastures containing excessively high P levels. Soil test P values are often an order of magnitude or more higher than established critical levels, for optimum pasture growth (Swanepoel et al 2014a), which raise the possibility of significant P losses to underground and surface water bodies, and thereby accelerated eutrophication of these waters.…”

Section: Pasture Nutritionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Southern African pasture and forage science entering the 21st century: past to present

Truter

Botha²,

Dannhauser³

et al. 2015

African Journal of Range & Forage Science

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Confucius once said that there are three methods we learn wisdom: firstly, by reflection, which is the noblest; secondly, by imitation, which is the easiest; and thirdly, by experience, which is the bitterest. The purpose of this review is to highlight how research priorities in pasture and forage sciences have evolved in southern Africa from the early 20th century into the second decade of the 21st century. Peer-reviewed scientific publications of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa form the basis of the review, which (1) identifies the main fields of pasture and forage science research, (2) evaluates and prioritises the main findings and progress within each of these research fields, and (3) makes recommendations regarding future research priorities. The history of southern African pasture and forage sciences has created a steady foundation for the further growth and development of this discipline in the 21st century. This science, together with rangeland science (which is not discussed in this paper), will remain and become a more important component of a sustainable solution in ensuring food security in the world, by means of animal production and degraded land rehabilitation. A reflection on the 20th century In 1888 F Blersch, the principal of the Agricultural School at the Victoria College, in Stellenbosch, identified the need for improved pasture plants. In the early 1900s research on pasture species escalated. Cooperative trials were initiated with farmers and much attention was given to subtropical grasses (Hall 1934). Towards the end of the decade in 1907-1908, the increased need for winter pastures was identified. Many reports concluded that imported grasses were performing better than natural species. The year 1908 saw the introduction of some of our well-known exotic species, with no further

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Soil quality characteristics of kikuyu–ryegrass pastures in South Africa

Cited by 43 publications

References 39 publications

Tillage effects, soil quality and production potential of kikuyu–ryegrass pastures in South Africa

Tillage effects, soil quality and production potential of kikuyu–ryegrass pastures in South Africa

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Southern African pasture and forage science entering the 21st century: past to present

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