Replacingstipa trichotomanees (nassella) in the Eastern Cape

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a trial in which various grasses, with and without nitrogenous fertilization, and legumes were screened for their ability to replace nassella in non‐arable areas. The results indicate that a vigorous canopy cover played an important role in suppressing nassella seedlings. Nitrogenous fertilization increased the effectivity of the oversown grasses in this respect. The most effective grasses were Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot), Phalaris tuberosa, Lolium multiflorum (Italian ryegrass), Lolium × hybridum (Ariki ryegrass), Agrostis tenuis and Festuca arundinacea (Tall fescue). The most effective legumes were Vicia villosa (hairy vetch) and Trifolium pratense (red clover). Overseeding and fertilization should be an integral part of the campaign to control nassella.