LEGUMINOUS GRASSES
LUCERN

Is one of the most valuable crops suitable for all classes of livestock and mainly used as a protein supplement. This crop is also rich in calcium.

Under ideal soil, moisture and management conditions it can last for 3-5 years.
It has very deep root system hence resistant to drought.
Does best in fairly dry atmosphere & grows rapidly in warm months but slows done as temperatures drop.
Lucern grows best in altitude of 1000-3000m asl. The seed rate is 5kg per acre drilled in rows 30cm apart. It can be planted as a pure crop or inter-planted with Rhodes.

DESMODIUM UNICIATUM (Silver leaf)

Thrives well in an altitude of 0-3000m asl and is broadcasted in mixture with Rhodes grass. The seed rate is 3 kg/acre. Straight fertilizer can be used at a rate of 50 kgs per acre.

Harvesting Lucern;

It should be cut when the crop is 10% in flower. Persistent cutting before this stage weakens the plant and quality of the product declines if there is a delay. When Lucern is actively growing, the period between cuts should be 4-5 weeks. Where cold is sufficient to cause dormancy, 6-7 cuts per year can be obtained. Lucern should be cut high enough to avoid damaging the crown or young shoots as this delays recovery.

Making Hay;

After cutting, the Lucern is wind rolled and allowed to wilt for a few hours before it is cocked. During the curing process, it should not be exposed to the sum more than necessary as this causes bleaching. As far as possible rainy spells should be avoided as nutrients are easily leached out and the aroma lost. Once the moisture content drops to 55% Lucern should not be handled except when the dew is on it, to avoid leaf loss. Lucern which is green or slightly wilted can be pressed into bales and cured in an open-lattice stark.

Silage making;

Lucern can be ensiled one part mixed with the three parts of maize or sorghum, or alternatively pure lucern can be ensiled with the addition of one and half parts of molasses.

SEED QUALITY CONTROL

This will influence the production and the subsequent success or failure of the crop. Seeds should be genetically true to type with no admixtures of harmful weeds and have been stores, processed and packed in a manner suitable for maintenance of quality. The quality of seed sold must meet the International Standards and this requirement is guaranteed by the producer.

NB: Always purchase your seed from the Kenya Seed Co. Ltd store or our appointed Agents. Kenya Seed Company is one of the re-known pasture produces in the world and will endeavor to maintain the quality of its pasture seeds marketed locally and internationally.