Productivity and carrying capacity of natural grassland in Benin

Abstract

This study was carried out in the Sudano-Guinean grassland of Wari Maro protected forest in the central region of Benin. Four pasture types were distinguished based on the results of phytosociological relevés. They were Schizachyrium sanguineum and Sorghastrum bipennatum of grass savanna sunken sites, Andropogon schirensis and A. chinensis savannas, Pennisetum unisetum and Chasmopodium caudatum savannas and, finally, Pennisetum polystachion and Andropogon gayanus fallows. At the end of the rainy season, biomass varied from 3.45 ± 0.50 to 5.19 ± 0.86 t DM/ha. Schizachyrium sanguineum and Sorghastrum bipennatum in sunken pastures produced the highest biomass. The periodic carrying capacity of pastures after bush fire was estimated as 0.16 tropical livestock unit per hectare (TLU/ha), or a dry season capacity of 17,200 TLU for 107,500 ha. In the wet season cattle management and grassland exploitation depended on phytomass and water availability in the extensive husbandry system of the studied area