Smutsfinger Grass – Forage
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Smutsfinger grass is a summer growing perennial forage crop. Smutsfinger grass plants can be extremely variable with regards to their manner of growth; mostly being tufted, some cultivars include stolons, while others contain rhizomes.
Description
Smutsfinger grass, scientifically known as Digitaria eriantha, is a warm-season perennial grass species that is native to Africa. It belongs to the genus Digitaria, which includes several important forage grasses commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Smutsfinger grass is widely cultivated as a forage crop due to its excellent nutritional value, adaptability to various soil types, and ability to withstand grazing pressure.
Characteristics: Smutsfinger grass is characterized by its tufted growth habit, with erect stems that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). The leaves are narrow, linear, and often covered with fine hairs, giving them a soft texture. The grass produces slender seed heads with spikelets arranged in digitate or finger-like clusters, hence its common name.
Nutritional Value: This grass is valued for its high nutritional content, making it a nutritious feed option for livestock. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals essential for animal health and productivity. The grass provides a balanced diet for grazing animals, supporting their growth, reproduction, and overall well-being when included as part of their diet.
Adaptability: One of the key attributes of this grass is its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey, as long as they are well-drained. Smutsfinger grass is also moderately tolerant of drought and can withstand periodic waterlogging, making it suitable for cultivation in various landscapes.
Forage Production: Smutsfinger grass is primarily grown as a forage crop for grazing livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats. It is known for its high yield potential and rapid regrowth after grazing or cutting, providing a continuous and reliable source of feed throughout the growing season. Smutsfinger grass hay is also popular among livestock producers for supplemental feeding during periods of limited forage availability.
Soil Conservation: In addition to its benefits as a livestock feed, Smutsfinger grass plays a role in soil conservation and land management practices. Its extensive root system helps stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and improve soil structure and fertility over time. By protecting and enhancing soil health, Smutsfinger grass contributes to the sustainability and resilience of grazing lands and ecosystems.
Smutsfinger grass is a summer-growing perennial forage crop. Smutsfinger grass plants can be extremely variable with regards to their manner of growth; mostly being tufted, some cultivars include stolons, while others contain rhizomes. Stolons and rhizomes enable plants to be highly adaptable while also providing good soil cover for erosion control.
Where to use Smutsfinger Grass
This grass is best adapted to areas where the annual rainfall exceeds 500 mm, but will grow where rainfall is as low as 300 mm per annum.
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