Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), has 16.5% to 24% dry matter, 9.9% to 15.5% crude protein, 26.5% to 33.6% crude fibre and 2.4% to 4.5%. It is also known as elephant grass or Merker grass.
It is a rank-growing perennial grass, which is used extensively for rotational pastures. It can be used to make silage or cut fresh and fed to animals. It grows fast and has a high regeneration capacity, especially during the rainy season. It is the highest foliage provider.
However, it has been disturbed by Napier stunt disease, which reduces production.
Propagating Napier grass
Napier grass can be grown at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2,000 metres above sea level. The grass does best in high rainfall areas, over 1,500 mm per year.
It grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant and can be used as dry season reserve in dry areas.
Whether root splits or cuttings are used, they should be sufficiently mature to tiller well and produce tall and high yielding forage plants.
Cane planting materials should be obtained from plants about to flower when the stems are still green. Also, the cuttings should be got from fields with no disease infection.
