Tropical Forage and Green Manure Legumes 1

This chapter discusses how tropical legume growth is affected by suboptimal environmental conditions, with emphasis on cultivated tropical legumes. Persistence is the single most important factor determining the success of tropical legumes. The problems with persistence are generally more serious under grazing than under stored feed or green manure programs. Legume persistence is the overriding factor to be concerned with in early evaluations of tropical legumes. Grazing selectivity, grazing pressure, growth patterns of above- and below-ground plant parts, differential responses to fertilization, and drought and flooding adaptability of grass and legume components influence the ability of the legume to compete and persist in association with the grass. Grazing selectivity and grazing pressure will have an effect on legume vigor, although the amount of rest period between grazings in a rotational program may be more important with some legumes.