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t
his article is the 13th in a series of articles highlighting a
specific pasture crop species that can play an imperative role
in conservation agriculture (CA) based crop-pasture rota-
tions. Besides improving the physical, chemical, hydrological
and biological properties of the soil, such species, including
annual or perennial cover crops, can successfully be used as
animal feed.
Livestock production systems are in many ways dependant on the
utilisation of pasture species, in this case as a pasture ley crop, and
can therefore become an integral component of CA-based crop-pas-
ture rotations.
It is imperative however to identify a pasture species fulfilling the
requirements of a dual purpose crop, i.e. for livestock fodder and/or
soil restoration. This article focuses on a perennial legume pasture
crop commonly used in the summer season for as long as five years
between annual crops as a grazing and/or hay crop. With the rising
cost of fertilisers and the objective of sustained soil fertility and soil
health improvement, this option can provide an opportunity.
Lespedeza cuneata
(
Sericea lespedeza
/
Poor man’s lucerne/
Armmanslusern
)
This is a perennial summer growing legume indigenous to East Af-
rica. It has a shrubby growth form, is deciduous and can grow up to
1,5 m tall.
It has thick stems, is very leafy and grows upright. Common char-
acteristics include drought tolerance, being a non-bloating legume
and a significant seed producer.
Sericea lespedeza
(Lespedeza) is
commonly used for pasture, hay, soil conservation and wildlife.
Many varieties are used around the world, including the most locally
used AU Lotan and AU Grazer and other varieties such as Arling-
ton, Serala, Gasyn, Interstate, Cericea, Appalow, Serala 76, Inter-
state 76 and AU Donnelly available elsewhere or by import.
Agro-ecological distribution
Lespedeza requires a temperate climate with a summer rainfall
and grows well in an area that receives 650 mm and more of rain.
It is sensitive to frost which kills off above-ground growth. It grows
vigorously from spring to autumn and when frost is absent, it grows
well over winter too.
Lespedeza is also resistant to certain diseases, although suscepti-
ble to root knot nematodes on light textured soils with not many
reports of attacks by insects. The mature plants are competitive
with grasses. This species is also much more tolerant of acidic and
low fertile soils than most other legumes. It is mostly productive on
deep, well-drained and fertile soils.
Even though Lespedeza is a legume, it has a low nitrogen fixation
rate and has little effect on the soil nitrogen. Lespedeza is known
to have a deep root system which contributes to its drought resist-
ance. Besides the use as forage, the soil conservation qualities are
outstanding and it is commonly used to remediate degraded areas.
Management and utilisation
Lespedeza is known to establish slowly as its main growth focus
is root development initially. When establishing Lespedeza, it is
important to be patient with this pasture crop as it is known that
Lespedeza is dormant during the first year, starts growing in the sec-
ond year and takes off the third year.
This species is normally planted in spring at a seeding rate of
20 kg/ha - 30 kg/ha into a fine and firm seedbed.
WAYNE TRUTER,
University of Pretoria,
CHRIS DANNHAUSER,
Grass SA,
HENDRIK SMITH,
Grain SA and
GERRIE TRYTSMAN,
ARC-Animal Production Institute
Integrated crop and pasture-based
livestock production systems
– Part 13
AGRICULTURE
Conservat ion
Series
“
Lespedeza is
commonly used for
pasture, hay,
soil conservation
and wildlife.
“
ON FARM LEVEL
Conservation agriculture
85
March 2015