3 Review(s)

Both Napier and Super Napier seeds are excellent for fodder making.Both are having advantages and disadvantages comparatively.For example Napier stems are very stronger,grows with good height and 70% seed germination.Super Napier grass stems are not strong compare to Napier but grows very densely with 95% seed germination. The purpose of this combo is to check which one is better for their purpose.As growth varies from place to place one can check by cultivating both in a similar condition and choose the best later. NAPIER GRASS-It is one of the important perennial tropical forage crop belong to family Poaceae.The grass grows tall and forms large clumps like bamboo.It produces huge biomass and can be harvested multiple times in a year which making it a good raw material.Napier grass is an improved fodder grass that produces a lot of high-protein forage. It is also known as "elephant grass", "Sudan grass" or "king grass". Its botanical name is Pennisetum purpureum.Napier grass is best suited to high rainfall areas, but it is drought-tolerant and can also grow well in drier areas. It does not grow well in waterlogged areas. It can be grown along with fodder trees along field boundaries or along contour lines or terrace risers to help control erosion. It can be intercropped with crops such as legumes and fodder trees, or as a pure stand.Advantages 1.Napier grass is propagated easily. 2.It has deep roots, so is fairly drought-resistant.3.The tender, young leaves and stems are very palatable for livestock.4.Napier grass grows very fast.Trials in India gave yields of 29–48 tons green herbage/ha in 2 or 3 cuttings. Cultivated as fodder in India and other countries. SUPER NAPIER GRASS-Super Napier Grass used as cow/sheep feed.Super Nepier is a Hybrid Napier Grass obtained by crossing Elephant Grass and Pearl Millet.This grass is called as “King of Napier Grass”.It is best suited to high rainfall areas, but it is drought-tolerant and can also grow well in drier areas. It does not grow well in waterlogged areas. It can be grown along with fodder trees along field boundaries or along contour lines or terrace risers to help control erosion. It can be intercropped with crops such as legumes and fodder trees, or as a pure stand.Advantages:1.Super napier seeds grows very fast.2.Super napier grass is propagated very easily.3.It can grow on variety of soils.4.It has deep roots, so is fairly drought-resistant.5.The tender, young leaves and stems are very palatable for livestock and in turn more growth is expected.6.This grass is susceptible to overgrazing.7.Crop may be harvested 40-50 days after planting seed.8.It may be used for pasture or may be cut and used for fodder later. HOW TO GROW NAPIER AND SUPER NAPIER:Use any one of the following method.A.Direct method:Prepare small space for growing seeds.Use 3-5 gms seed per square meter.Allow the slips grow into grass and use it as fodder.B.Indirect method:1.Grow slips (Mother bed): Prepare small space for growing seeds into slips.Use 5-10 gms seed per square meter.After 7-10 days replant in the larger size land as follows.Step 1: Prepare the land nicely. Step 2: Make beds for sowing the super napier slips. Step 3: Keep the slips horizontally with 2 feet gap. Step 4: Make water flow and In the center, press the slip. Step 5: After it grows till knee height,tie it for better growth.