(a) Explain what is meant by natural grassland. (d) State five characteristics of natural grassland (c) List four grasses and three pasture legumes commonly...

Answer Details

(a) Natural grassland

Natural grassland is an area of land that is naturally covered with grasses, herbs and a few scattered trees or shrubs which grow on their own, without being deliberately planted or cultivated by man.

(b) Five characteristics of natural grassland

• It is dominated by grasses and grows naturally without cultivation.
• It contains a mixture of different grass species together with some pasture legumes.
• It regenerates on its own after grazing, cutting or burning.
• It is commonly found in areas of moderate to low rainfall (the savanna) and may carry scattered trees and shrubs.
• It is used mainly for the grazing of livestock and shows seasonal changes in growth.

(c) Four grasses and three pasture legumes commonly found in natural grasslands

Grasses:

• Guinea grass (Panicum maximum)
• Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
• Star grass (Cynodon species)
• Gamba/giant grass (Andropogon species)

Pasture legumes:

• Centro (Centrosema pubescens)
• Stylo (Stylosanthes species)
• Tropical kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides)