The Seasonal Botanical Composition, Calcium and Phosphorus Content of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass and Clover

Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) is one of the major grasses used for summer and autumn grazing in the Southern Cape coast area of South Africa. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp.), perennial white (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) can be incorporated into an existing kikuyu stand to improve pasture quality and spring production. The aim of this study was to determine the persistence of these species and effects on the calcium and phosphorus content of kikuyu (K), kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (L. perenne) and perennial white and red clovers (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial white and red clovers (KC)