Cenchrus riparius
Species of tropical grass used for fodder and erosion control From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cenchrus riparius, or previously Pennisetum riparium, is a species of perennial tropical grass in the family Poaceae, native to Ethiopia[1] but also found is other parts of eastern and central Africa. It is typically found in mid-altitude, humid to sub-humid environments, particularly near watercourses, as implied by its species name riparium, which refers to riparian (riverbank) habitats.
| Cenchrus riparius | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Cenchrus |
| Species: | C. riparius |
| Binomial name | |
| Cenchrus riparius (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Morrone | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Pennisetum riparium Hochst. ex A.Rich. | |
In Ethiopia, it is used for livestock fodder and for stabilizing soil in erosion control structures.[2]
Description
Cenchrus riparius is a tall, clump-forming perennial grass that can reach over 2 meters in height. It grows well in moist, fertile soils and forms a dense root system, making it particularly effective for soil stabilization. Like other species in the genus, it is a C4 plant, well adapted to warm climates with seasonal rainfall.
Seed production is typically low and unreliable, and the plant is mostly propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or divisions of clumps.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to tropical eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. It thrives in areas with seasonal rainfall and good soil moisture, from lowland valleys to elevations over 1,800 meters. It is often found along riverbanks, hillsides, and degraded slopes targeted for rehabilitation.
Uses
Forage
Cenchrus riparius is valued as a high-quality forage grass due to its palatability, rapid regrowth, and good biomass production. It is suitable for cut-and-carry systems and supplemental feeding during dry periods. Farmers in East Africa have adopted it as an alternative to less palatable species like Vetiveria zizanioides, especially in integrated crop-livestock systems.
Soil and water conservation
The species can play an important role in soil and water conservation. It can be planted to reinforce terraces, check dams, and contour bunds, reducing runoff and soil erosion. Its fibrous roots bind the soil and improve water infiltration.It gives better results when used in combination with nitrogen-fixing species such as Cajanus cajan and Sesbania sesban to enhance ecological benefits.
Agronomic considerations
Cenchrus riparius is easy to establish from cuttings and begins to produce usable forage within a few months. Regular harvesting promotes regrowth and maintains forage quality. Clumps are usually renewed every 2–3 years to prevent lignification and decline in productivity. Organic manure or moderate fertilization can enhance biomass production.
Potential and adoption
While detailed agronomic studies remain limited, Cenchrus riparius has demonstrated potential in smallholder farming systems, particularly where forage shortages, soil degradation, and water management challenges intersect. Adoption has been observed in parts of southern Ethiopia, where it has contributed to improved fodder availability and landscape restoration efforts.
See also
References
External links
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