Effect of fertilization, intensity, frequency and season of defoliation on herbage yield and nutritive value of Cenchrus ciliaris L.

Common buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) was studied in a field experiment under two fertility levels (0 or 50 kg N ha ⁻¹), two cutting heights (5 or 15 cm above ground level), two cutting frequencies (21 or 42 days), during a 126 day growing season. Results showed significant highest yields with the least frequent, more severe defoliation. The highest fertility environment was favourable for yield productivity, ash and crude protein content. The effect of the intensity and frequency of defoliation suggests the need to impose appropriate defoliation stress to obtain high yield with better quality.