Description
Productivity: Mombaca grass is a tall grass, similar to hybrid Napier grass in habit, but far more leafy and is very suitable for cut-and-carry. It is a very productive leafy grass, producing between 20 and 40 t/ha dry matter per year.
Crude protein levels: Mombasa grass 10-16% crude protein on poor soils and 14-16 % crude
protein on better soils.
Animal production: Live weight gains of 770 kg/ha/yr compared with 600, and 590 kg/ha/yr
from Purple Guinea and Tobiata grass. It is more productive than Other Grasses.
Grazing management: Mombaca grass Can be either rotationally grazed or set stocked.
Management depends on the farmer’s experience. Most farmers in South America prefer
cut-and-carry. Therefore cut every 40-45 days in the wet season and 60-70 days in the cool
season.
Establishment: Mombaca grass Can be either planted in rows, 50 cm apart, or broadcast
sown at 6-8 kg/ha. Sow the seed on to the soil surface, brush the seed with soil by using tree
branches or large brooms. Bury the seed no more than 1-2 cm under the soil. It is easy to
plant from rooted tillers.
Background: It was introduced into Brazil from Tanzania in 1993, from near Korogwe,
Tanzania (5.20°S 38.50°E, 290 m asl, rainfall 1,050 mm). Large tussocks to 2 m, stems tinged
with purple. Leaves are long, to 3 cm wide, with short hairs on the upper surface; leaf
sheaths are glabrous. Good drought and cold tolerance. Dry matter yield 28% more than
that of Guinea.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.