Forage legumes from the Mediterranean Fynbos biome of South Africa with potential for domestication: slope aspect affects tissue fibre and mineral composition

S.B.M. Chimphango; L.H. Gallant; M.I. Samuels; O.E. Curtis-Scott; A.M. Muasya; C. Cupido; J.S. Boatwright; J. Howieson

doi:10.2989/10220119.2021.1909138

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Forage legumes from the Mediterranean Fynbos biome of South Africa with potential for domestication: slope aspect affects tissue fibre and mineral composition

Journal article

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Forage legumes from the Mediterranean Fynbos biome of South Africa with potential for domestication: slope aspect affects tissue fibre and mineral composition

S.B.M. Chimphango, L.H. Gallant, M.I. Samuels, O.E. Curtis-Scott, A.M. Muasya, C. Cupido, J.S. Boatwright and J. Howieson

African Journal of Range & Forage Science, pp.1-8

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2021.1909138

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Abstract

Fabaceae plants contribute greatly to a high quality of pasture in rangelands, because of high levels of protein in their tissues. Despite this established importance, only a few southern African legumes have been evaluated for nutritional value and domestication. The Overberg renosterveld vegetation of the Fynbos biome occupies undulating landscapes that have multiple slope aspects, creating variable microclimatic conditions affecting nutrient dynamics, species richness and plant chemical compositions. We assessed the effect of slope aspect on fiber and mineral composition of forage species present to provide information on the importance of slope for species characterization and nutritional value for domestication. Tissue samples from six replicates of the same species occurring on opposing aspects were collected for nutritional assessment. Results on the data showed that fibre and mineral composition differed in species occurring on different slopes, albeit with few exceptions. The concentrations of P, K and Mg in some species were significantly higher on the cooler and wetter south facing slopes relative to north facing slopes. Nutrient elements in soil samples collected from each site varied with slope aspects and elements. It is recommended that topography should be considered when studying forage nutritional assessments as part of future domestication programs.

Details

Title: Forage legumes from the Mediterranean Fynbos biome of South Africa with potential for domestication: slope aspect affects tissue fibre and mineral composition
Authors/Creators: S.B.M. Chimphango (Author/Creator) - University of Cape Town
L.H. Gallant (Author/Creator) - University of the Western Cape
M.I. Samuels (Author/Creator)
O.E. Curtis-Scott (Author/Creator) - University of Cape Town
A.M. Muasya (Author/Creator) - University of Cape Town
C. Cupido (Author/Creator) - University of the Western Cape
J.S. Boatwright (Author/Creator) - University of the Western Cape
J. Howieson (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
Publication Details: African Journal of Range & Forage Science, pp.1-8
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Identifiers: 991005543460107891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Rhizobium Studies
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.97 Plant Pathology; 3.97.892 Rhizobium-Legume Symbiosis
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology; Environmental Sciences
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology