The rate of leaf emergence and decay as criteria for optimising the grazing rotation in semi‐arid grassveld

Abstract

Abstract The dymasnics of leaf emergence, longevity and abscission were investigated in two key grasses, Themeda triandra and Sporobolus fimbriatus in semi‐arid grassveld in the Eastern Cape. Where there was no moisture stress, new leaves emerged on filters‐every two to three weeks. Leaf longevity was approximately three months, and leaves abscised five to six months after emergence. Moisture stress reduced the rate of leaf emergence, leaf longevity and the duration of leaf attachment to tiller. On the basis of the results, it was concluded that in order to maximise forage production, the (optimal period of absence in rotational grazing systems in semi‐arid sweet grassveld is approximately three months.