Napier / Elephant Fodder Grass Seeds

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is an improved a major tropical fodder grass. It is one of the highest yielding tropical grasses. It is a very versatile species that can be grown under a wide range of conditions and systems: dry or wet conditions, smallholder or larger scale agriculture. It is a valuable forage and very popular throughout the tropics, notably in cut-and-carry systems. It has low water and nutrient requirements, and therefore can make use of otherwise uncultivated lands.The grass can be harvested many times per year. Generally, the grass is harvested in relatively short intervals (every 1 to 3 months) when it is to be used as fodder for animals. Alternatively, it can be planted through stem cuttings of the stolon. The cuttings can be planted by inserting them along furrows 75 cm apart, both along and between rows. Elephant grass is often fed fresh in cut-and-carry systems. It can be manually or mechanically chopped prior to feeding to reduce the selection of leaves and stems by the animal. Chopping and then wilting in the sun for several hours reduces moisture, stimulates appetite, facilitates rumination and thus improves forage utilisation. Napier grass is best suited to high rainfall areas, but it is drought-tolerant and can also grow well in drier areas. It does not grow well in waterlogged areas.Elephant grass is a pioneer species that competes very efficiently with weeds.It can be intercropped with crops such as legumes and fodder trees, or as a pure stand.