Napier grass

 

Livestock Integration << Napier grass

Napier grass

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is an important carbohydrate-rich fodder grass, also known as "elephant grass" or "Uganda grass". It is suited to high rainfall areas, but can also tolerate average drought conditions. It does not grow well in waterlogged areas. It can be grown along with fodder trees along field boundaries or along contour lines or terrace risers to help control soil erosion. It can also be intercropped with crops such as legumes.

Advantages
* Napier grass is propagated easily.
* It has a soft stem that is easy to cut.
* It has deep roots, so is fairly drought-resistant.
* The tender, young leaves and stems are very palatable for livestock.
* Napier grass grows very fast.
Disadvantages
* Napier grass is an aggressive plant that spreads through rhizomes under the ground. If it is not controlled, it can invade crop fields and become a weed.
* The older stems and leaves are less palatable for livestock.

Making Napier Grass Silage in a Small Barrel