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Prioritisation of native legume species for further evaluation as potential forage crops in water-limited agricultural systems in South Africa

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Abstract

In the face of climate change, identification of forage species suitable for dryland farming under low rainfall conditions in South Africa is needed. Currently, there are only a limited number of forage species suitable for dryland farming under such conditions. The objective of this study was to identify and prioritise native legume species that could potentially be used in dryland farming systems in water-limited agro-ecosystems in South Africa. Using a combination of ecological niche modelling techniques, plant functional traits, and indigenous knowledge, 18 perennial herbaceous or stem-woody legume species were prioritised for further evaluation as potential fodder species within water-limited agricultural areas. These species will be evaluated further for their forage quality and their ability to survive and produce enough biomass under water limitation and poor edaphic conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X 17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa

    Francuois L. Müller, Lincoln M. Raitt, J. Stephen Boatwright & Richard Knight

  2. Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production Institute, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X 17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa

    Francuois L. Müller, M. Igshaan Samuels & Clement F. Cupido

  3. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X 3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa

    Samson B. M. Chimphango

  4. DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X 17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa

    Richard Knight

  5. Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X 2, Irene, 0062, South Africa

    Marike Trytsman

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  1. Francuois L. Müller
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Müller, F.L., Raitt, L.M., Chimphango, S.B.M. et al. Prioritisation of native legume species for further evaluation as potential forage crops in water-limited agricultural systems in South Africa. Environ Monit Assess 189, 512 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-6230-x

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