There are several types of grass that are suitable for hay production. The best grass for hay in Kenya depends on factors such as soil type, climate, altitude, and intended use.
Here are some of the commonly grown grass for hay production:
- Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana): This is the most popular grass for hay production in the country. It is easy to establish, grows quickly, and has high yields. It is tolerant of drought, pests, and diseases.
- Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum): This grass is widely grown in Kenya for livestock feed and silage. It is highly productive and can be harvested several times a year. It is suitable for low to medium-altitude areas with moderate rainfall.
- Boma Rhodes grass (Chloris Roxburghiana): This is a hybrid grass that is a cross between Rhodes grass and another grass called Roxburghiana. It is highly productive and can be harvested several times a year. It is suitable for dry areas with low rainfall.
- Brachiaria grass (Brachiaria Decumbens): This grass is highly productive and is suitable for areas with high rainfall. It is tolerant of pests and diseases and can be harvested several times a year.
- Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum Clandestinum): This is a popular grass for pasture and hay production in high-rainfall areas of Kenya. It is highly productive and can be harvested several times a year.
Types of Hay Grass In Kenya
There are several types of hay grass that are grown in Kenya. The most common types in Kenya include:
- Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana): This is the most widely grown hay grass in Kenya due to its high yield potential and quality. It is a fast-growing perennial grass that is tolerant to drought, pests, and diseases.
- Boma Rhodes Grass (Chloris roxburghiana): This is a hybrid variety of Rhodes Grass that is resistant to pests and diseases. It is an ideal hay grass for arid and semi-arid regions due to its tolerance to drought.
- Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum): This is a popular hay grass in Kenya, mainly grown in high rainfall areas. It is a tall and fast-growing grass with a high yield potential. It is also suitable for silage making.
- Brachiaria Grass (Brachiaria decumbens): This is a highly productive hay grass that grows well in areas with high rainfall with tolerance to pests and diseases and can be harvested several times a year.
- Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum): This is a common hay grass in Kenya that is widely grown in high-rainfall areas. It is a highly productive grass that can be harvested several times a year.
- Star Grass (Cynodon Nlemfuensis): This is a drought-tolerant hay grass that is highly productive in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. It is a good alternative for farmers who cannot grow Rhodes Grass or Boma Rhodes Grass.
- Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense): This is a cool-season hay grass that is grown in the high-altitude areas of Kenya. It is highly productive and has a high nutritional value.
The choice of hay grass depends on several factors, such as location, climate, soil type, and the intended use of the hay. It is advisable for farmers to consult agricultural extension officers or agronomists to select the most suitable hay grass for their specific location and needs.
