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 Rhodes
grass : ICS's expertise & services
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 Rhodes grass is a perennial plant native to Africa and now widely grown in different tropical areas. When properly
managed, it is suitable for hay production: it then gives high yields and has a good feeding value due
to good energy and crude protein levels. When you buy seeds or agricultural machinery, we therefore focus our attention on:
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the crop is correctly established (i.e. sown at the right depth on an appropriate seed-bed in order
to quicken coverage, maximize yields and lower water needs);
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the crop is correctly grown. The plant has good resistance to drought but gives better results when
irrigated and fertilized. Different research studies have shown an outstanding response to nitrogen fertilization
combined with irrigation in terms of total yield and crude protein content (Dovrat and Cohen, 1976);
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the crop is properly harvested. As with alfalfa, the cutting schedule should
be based on the plant's growth stage in order to maximize quality.
For
Rhodes grass, ICS's know how is focused on crop establishment (outstanding
varieties and techniques)
and crop management machinery.
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Quality hay
Quality hay is defined by the crude protein rate (CP) and the Relative Feed Value (RFV). RFV is an indicator of the
forage energy value. It depends on the amount of fiber contained in the forage: when fiber content is low, RFV (thus
energy) is high. Both factors depend on the plant's growth stage and are inversely related.
Main plant characteristics
Rhodes grass is a vigorus and fast covering plant with a strong root system which gives the plant a good tolerance
to drought: water can be extracted down to about 4 m. Quick coverage is due to the production of stolons which
run over the ground.
Useful links
 FAO
resources
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SEEDS & agricultural MACHINERY - with expertise and services for successful crop management
