Prioritisation of native legume species for further evaluation as potential forage crops in water-limited agricultural systems in South Africa
Date
2017Author
Müller, Francuois L.
Raitt, Lincoln M.
Chimphango, Samson B. M.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In the face of climate change, identification of
forage species suitable for dryland farming under low
rainfall conditions in South Africa is needed. Currently,
there are only a limited number of forage species suitable for dryland farming under such conditions. The
objective of this study was to identify and prioritise
native legume species that could potentially be used in
dryland farming systems in water-limited agro-ecosystems in South Africa. Using a combination of ecological
niche modelling techniques, plant functional traits, and
indigenous knowledge, 18 perennial herbaceous or
stem-woody legume species were prioritised for further
evaluation as potential fodder species within waterlimited agricultural areas. These species will be evaluated further for their forage quality and their ability to
survive and produce enough biomass under water limitation and poor edaphic conditions.