Average quality of kikuyu silage has been assessed at 13.5% CP, 64% NDF, 64% digestibility, and 9.7 MJ/kg DM ME. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) Description: Perennial. It is a medium blade grass that can grow with very little water and thrives in South Australia's dry heat. Grasses: Kikuyu should not be sown with other grass species generally although short-lived ryegrass can be oversown in late autumn to provide winter feed. But, during this long, dry season it is easy to see its positive attributes, especially in sandy areas. Well fertilised and grazed kikuyu produces high quality forage. Its resilient rhizomes overcome drought very easily and also cope well with otherwise difficult spots such as coastlines. 4:07. My lawn has been taken over over the years by kikuyu grass, but I have noticed that clover and burr clover have no problem thriving in patches in it. After 2 months, the mowing interval is increased to 5 days. In the late 20th century the Kikuyu numbered more than 4,400,000 and formed the largest ethnic group in Kenya, approximately 20 percent of the total population. Fresh growth of kikuyu can be higher in quality than lucerne or chicory (e.g. The “Kikuyu” people, a prominent tribe that excelled in agriculture and had deep knowledge of nature, inspired the name for the plant. Each stem cutting should comprise about 3 nodes. Thanks for Sharing Clipkulture! 5:26. St Augustine grass is thinner-leaved and doesn’t resist drought or foot traffic well. He then collaborated with an australian university to make the new, amazing grass available throughout the continent as fodder and lawn material. Kikuyu Yellows is a root disease caused by a soil borne fungus which can devastate complete stands. Grows best between 15 and 25oC but will tolerate up to 40o C.  Growth ceases when exposed to regular heavy frosts. It occurs only in cattle, affecting all classes and ages. First, it is believed the Kikuyus came from Central Africa, where all the Bantus once lived. Like bermudagrass, kikuyugrass has a special photosynthetic pathway that enables it to assimilate carbohydrates at a high rate and to grow rapidly during periods of high light intensity and warm temperatures. It has a deep root system (to >3 m). Suited to very fertile, well-drained soils. NPK fertiliser at rates determined by soil test results and in consultation with local agronomists should be used at sowing or soon after germination. Search on Clipkulture. Kikuyu grass became very popular across South Africa, professionally and domestically. You should not plant it. In lawns*: LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyle will suppress kikuyu without harm to the lawn grass.You can also kill persistent kikuyu by spot treating with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.Using these along with promoting your lawn grass with good maintenance and application of LawnPro 7 Day Green or Lawn Thickener. Kikuyu Grass Types. Kikuyu is a grass species which prompts strong reactions, both positive and negative with many people happy to ‘kik-yu’ out the door for suggesting it has its merits! So thanks for mentioning that Kikuyu grass is very easy to care for and grows quickly. kenyan traditional ruracio attire Kikuyu brides kikuyu ruracio dresses Kikuyu tribe clothing Kikuyu tribe facts. As a vigorous creeping grass, it can spread into cultivation areas or water channels. Older growth is not readily eaten. Family – Poaceae, Type – grass Lush growth associated with excessive application of nitrogen can result in nitrate poisoning and even bloat, although the latter is rare. Until today, Kikuyu (named after a tribe in Kenya) is still the most popular and affordable lawn, because of this reviving quality. Take note, though, that you’ll need to live in a region where the climate is mild in winter. Moisture – dry to swampy (all). Need advice? Tuko / Tuco - Kenya 144,365 views. The tropical grass species Pennisetum clandestinum is known by several common names, most often kikuyu grass, as it is native to the highland regions of East Africa that is home to the Kikuyu people. Monitor grazing at this time to ensure runners are not being pulled out. According to Kikuyu creation stories, Ngai (their God) made a man, called Gikuyu, and his … De meest gebruikte Engelse naam is kikuyu grass. The aim is to have 30-40% kikuyu content. The name, Kikuyu grass is used to suggest the native Kenyan pasture. Australian strands of the grass, however, were originally sourced from the Belgian Congo in 1908 (present-day Congo). Kikuyu is widely adapted but prefers fertile, at least moderately drained, light to medium textured soils. Planting kikuyu runners is very easy and all you need to do is layer a grass node into a nursery pot. Its ability to spread quickly makes it ideal for lawns that take a hammering from children or pets. Production over 11 months at Hamilton, SW Victoria in 2006/07 was 10.7 DM t/ha for a Kikuyu/subterranean clover pasture. Extremely easy to care for and with quick growth and spread, this plant is perfect for gardens located in areas where the climate is rather hot in summer and mild in winter. Kikuyu Grass is a warm season perennial lawn grass adapted to irrigated areas of the lower deserts in Arizona. In favourable conditions the runners spread rapidly, making kikuyu a very suitable species for erosion control. If you fertilize your whole lawn, you’ll simply end up with much more mowing to do! So in a way, we could say it’s native to Kenya and Uganda… and probably a few other countries, as well! Exposure – full sun, Soil – ordinary The seed crop is initially mowed off in October. Requires good management to maintain feed quality. Hi Leon, you don’t need to fertilize kikuyu as you would weaker lawns. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Pyricularia leaf-spot disease causes a leafspot, death of leaf tips, and in severe cases death of seedlings (usually only in plants weakened by nutrient deficiency). Well fertilised pastures are capable of carrying 1.5-3.0 adult cattle/ha. White clover, Kenya clover (Far North Coast). Kikuyu Grass Pennisetum Clandestinum. Use the…, In spring or in fall, planting or tending a lawn requires care and attention for a good preparation. Kikuyu grass dies off when grown under too much shade. Temperate: clover (balansa, subterranean, white). Established kikuyu should be grazed heavily over summer and autumn to prevent dead material building up. It only presents a potential problem in soils of high fertility and can be a problem in cooler areas where it can suppress growth of the more cool-season-productive C3 grasses. Keep in mind that the parts under the sunlight grow a lot faster than the ones that are in the shade. Although native to the entire East Africa area, kikuyu grass was first studied and imported to the USA from Kenya, in the center of that region. Only in spots that are bare or where many people walk constantly is it needed. A low growing, deep-rooted perennial with stolons and rhizomes spreading on and below the soil surface, it forms a dense turf. Kikuyu is generally not sown with other grasses. Stems: Rhizomes and stolons about 2 - 4 mm diameter. Other articles where Kikuyu grass is discussed: weed: Biological control: Kikuyu grass, which was introduced into California to prevent soil erosion on hillsides and roadways, soon spread into orchards, turf, and crop areas, where it became a serious weed. Leaf blades are folded when young, and flatten out, growing to about 30 cm long and 7 mm wide when mature. This will require more stock as growth rates increase. Kikuyu Grass Fast growing, hardy and likes good drainage Will usually grow in any soil, but we still recommend a good layer of top soil for a better finished job. Religion: The Kikuyus believe in their creator, God who they call Ngai and also in the spiritual presence of their ancestors. In addition, i… Since my husband and I are planning on installing some new turf, we are wondering what type would be best. Kikuyu responds strongly to applied P and N and these are usually the limiting nutrients. Is it wise to use kraal manure or chicken manure to fertilize Kikuyu lawn? It can recover from drought conditions. Credits for images shared to Nature & Garden (all edits by Gaspard Lorthiois): Italian ryegrass or oats often direct-drilled or surface-sown in autumn into suppressed kikuyu for year-round feed. A home-made “tea” that contains a lot of nitrogen is. You should not plant it. Kikuyu grass, for most farmers of livestock, is this little, ever-present species of value pasture that animals like grazing. A healthy stand can survive such attacks. Not compatible with other grasses. Kikuyu can spread rapidly from rhizomes and stolons. Any nitrogen-rich fertilizer is perfect for this. Kikuyu Grass. This is largely a reflection of poor management due mostly to under-grazing over summer-autumn and inadequate fertiliser use. Note that you might confuse this grass with St Augustine (which you’ll find under the name Stenotaphrum secundatum in horticulture stores). It really needs full sun to prosper. You can prevent the water borne fungus from spreading by taking care not to move the infected soil or grass to other areas of your lawn, and avoid walking through the yellowed patches, particular during damp weather. Since then, landscapers have sown it in many areas around the planet. However, after 1 - 2 weeks, the quality declines rapidly to about 10% CP and less than 50% digestibility. They then moved south towards present day Tanzania where the migrating group separated again and the Kikuyus moved towards Mount Kenya, where they settled. Kikuyu Yellows infects the root system, causing root rot and subsequently grass death in a circular pattern. It will spread across the entire surface if not controlled. Rank kikuyu is more likely to be damaged by frost than is well grazed kikuyu. This will encourage establishing clover seedlings. Kikuyu is particularly demanding for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and soil fertility under the pasture should reflect this. It is definitely a very interesting alternative to traditional lawn grasses. Northern Australia:Grazing management should aim to maximise leaf and minimise stem. It grows best on well-structured, red basalt soils, but also on alluvial and fertilised moist sandy soils. You can also direct the runners to maximize coverage since secondary runners will appear and make the plot denser. Plant: A mat-forming perennial grass which spreads by underground stems (rhizomes) and profusely branched, creeping surface stems that root down at the nodes (stolons). In spring, sow in much the same manner you would any type of grass used for traditional lawns. It is also spread by livestock by seed in the dung or runners caught in their hooves. Seeds:  The kikuyu grain (caryopsis) is dark brown, ovoid in shape, about 2.5 mm long and 1.5 mm broad. Kikuyu poisoning occurs sporadically in cattle, especially where rapid growth follows a protracted dry period. Since Warm Season grass grows most actively in Spring & Summer, this is when it needs to be fertilized most. Kikuyu doesn’t absolutely need fertilizer. The aim is to achieve 30 - 40 plants/m2. If it exceeds this, it will need slashing to promote new growth. Morphology. Check with your local agriculture office first. Standard size rolls: 1m 2 (600mm x 1.67m). Only fertilize spots that need support. Although moderately drought tolerant, it responds well to irrigation, and produces most active growth during periods of high humidity. Required fields are marked *. It performs best in soils with moderate acidity (pH 5.5-7.0), but tolerates pH as low as 4.5 and the often accompanying high aluminium and manganese. Palatability is high when the sward is kept grazed short and has a signifcant legume content. Because of its rapid growth and aggressive nature, it is categorised as a noxious weed in some regions. The downside of Kikuyu is, because it comes from a semi-tropical and warm climate, it cannot handle shade or semi-shade areas. Several livestock disorders are occasionally reported. Once the crop has been frosted, the whole bulk is mowed to ground level and dried before threshing. Many Australians grew up with Kikuyu, as it’s one of the few grasses that can be grown almost anywhere in the country. Close-up of kikuyu grass by Harry Rose ★ under © CC BY 2.0 About 400,000 seeds/kg. Sometimes it even spreads so fast, it has become invasive! Kikuyu turf also sends runners out as it spreads, like strawberries. It can tolerate some waterlogging and up to 10 days inundation, as well as moderate salinity levels. Kikuyu grass tends to turn yellowish in winter; Kikuyu grass tends to turn invasive because it spreads fast; Kikuyu grass dies off when grown under too much shade. Under regular grazing or cutting it forms a dense turf, but otherwise can grow to about 30 or 40 cm deep. If you work it between the blades of grass with a rake, Great for dry and even desert-like, warm climate, Watering unnecessary or extremely reduced, It doesn’t like being trimmed too often and too short, Kikuyu grass tends to turn yellowish in winter. Kikuyu grass doesn’t cope well with mowing too often or too short. fact sheet 34 KIKUYU FS34 Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is a soft, warm season grass originally from Kenya in East Africa. Soil N should be supplied as spring and autumn dressings of 50-100 kg/ha or through the legume component. Grasses: Kikuyu should not be sown with other grass species generally although short-lived ryegrass can be oversown in late autumn to provide winter feed. Rapid summer growth rate with high yield potential. Subtropics: creeping vigna, greater lotus, pinto peanut, white clover 2. Unlike most other varieties of grass, there aren’t very many different types of Kikuyu grass to choose from. Kikuyu, Bantu-speaking people who live in the highland area of south-central Kenya, near Mount Kenya. We will definitely have to put in some Kikuyu turf since we want our grass to grow quickly. It will sprout roots and spread from there. Share your garden joys & woes! Summary: A creeping, aggressive, course, perennial lawn grass spreading by runners (stolons and rhizomes) and with seed heads that are hidden within the leaf structure and only showing long, white, thread like stamens at flowering in summer. Summer: Increase the grazing pressure to keep the sward at < 800 kg/ha. Easy Drill Storage - Duration: 5:26. Hi Southern Australia:Autumn:  From the break, graze to keep the sward looking like mown turf (below 5cm or 1400 kg/ha). Northern Australia:Under optimum conditions, it is capable of producing 30 t DM/ha/yr, but is unproductive if not fertilised. While it may grow in areas with average annual rainfall as low as 700 mm in the eastern subtropics, it is really only productive where annual averages are above about 1000 mm. A collaboration between AWI, GRDC, MLA, RIRDC and Dairy Australia. Kikuyu can also be planted vegetatively, in which case, the aim is to have at least one cutting/m2. Through summer kikuyu has a high leaf to stem/stolon ratio and with good management the fast-growing green leaf (1… Newly sown kikuyu should not be grazed until the runners are about 20cm long and have taken root. Height – 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Most growth in spring, summer and autumn. Doses to follow are about ⅓ to ½ oz (10 to 12 g) to a square yard (1 m²). The pasture is then allowed to grow back to the 4.5 leaf stage (say 15 - 20cm). Animals can walk all over it with their heavy hooves and it will bounce back quickly. In warmer areas, Kikuyu grass can be highly invasive and is difficult to control. Responds well to nitrogen fertiliser in warm season. Cows, goats, and lambs love eating kikuyu grass for fodder. In southern Australia, it is considered to require at least 600 mm in the south east, and 700 mm in the south west. Indeed, no dormant seeds will sprout back, as long as all roots and rhizomes are diligently pulled out. Spring: Maintain grazing pressure to keep pasture below 5cm (1400 kg/ha). Their presence is only indicated when the pollen-bearing stamens or feathery, pollen-receiving stigmata are extended beyond the shoot tip. Kikuyu has become naturalised in areas of summer or winter rainfall distribution. Serious toxicity occurs spasmodically after rainfall, fertiliser application and invasion of pasture by army-worms. Name – Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Kikuyu grass is a perennial favourite for lawns throughout Australia. Kikuyu is a vigorous growing grass with a strong creeping habit that can produce an extremely durable, hard wearing lawn that can tolerate drought prone coastal situations. Severe infestations of army worms and sod web worms can virtually defoliate a kikuyu stand, particularly if it is well fertilised and lush during warm, wet conditions. Kikuyu has a reputation for poor productivity and quality. Synonym – Cenchrus clandestinus A lush summer perennial, Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' really makes a stand against other grasses with the intriguing shape and…, Mowing the lawn is an easy art to master as long as you follow these few crucial steps! Inoculation: N/A: Major nutrient deficiencies: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur. The best time to sow kikuyu seed is when the soil temperature is above 20oC and there is a high probability of several days of good soil moisture. Used for decades in Mediterranean regions in places where foot traffic was high, this grass native to tropical areas is slowly gaining popularity. Main insect pests: Army worms, sod web worms, african black beetle. Hyperparathyroidism ('big head') in horses, and occasionally nephrosis or hypocalcaemia in ruminants, has been recorded due to high levels of oxalate (up to 1.1% DM). Yields of 200-400 kg/ha are normal, and up to 700 kg/ha achievable. Temperate: clover (balansa, subterranean, white). Once flowering commences, it is mowed every 3 days, raising the cutting height by about 2 cm each time. Kikuyu Facts. Used for dairy pastures in Queensland, NSW and far-eastern Victoria. It doesn’t need much watering, and copes well with dry air, which made it ideal for California at the time. As a rule of thumb, kikuyu grows five leaves and then more stem, so to optimise production, grazing should occur when plants are at the 4.5 leaf stage, and cattle should be removed with a 5cm residue. Kikuyu grass is very easy to propagate through cuttings or simply by transplanting it. There are two theories explaining where the Kikuyu came from. Moreover, in many mild and cool climates, temperatures are never hot enough to trigger blooming. “Kenda” is the most common Kikuyu turf and has great wear tolerance, stands up to drought, and is very easy to establish. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Kikuyugrass is a perennial grass that grows best under cool to warm temperatures (60° to 90°F) and moist conditions; however, it also survives well at high temperatures (100°F). Once the Kikuyu seed is in a fine leaf and low growing lawn such as Couch or Zoysia, the invader can be easily spotted and removed before it takes a foothold. Well suited to use as a base for a feedlot as it tolerates trampling, holds the soil, and responds to high manure input. Kikuyu grass is native to Kenya, not Uganda. It does not grow well in the heat of summer or the cold of winter, and is generally sown in autumn (providing seedlings will have developed sufficiently by winter to withstand frost) or spring. Kikuyu grass is a low maintenance grass except for regular weekly mowing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Leaves: Borne on short stems rising from the stolons. However, apart from these numerous advantages, kikuyu grass does present several disadvantages: Note: in some places, Kikuyu is invasive. The Green and Gold Life 66 views. It is also susceptible to haloxyfop, ethoxyethyl and imazapyr. Kikuyu will smother any other weed that might grow on a lawn, like clover for instance. Although a well maintained Kikuyu grass lawn could look good in areas of full sun, it doesn’t stand up to shade-affected areas and quite often becomes patchy and dies off. One fungal disease that Kikuyu grass is susceptible to is Kikuyu Yellows. 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