Most Florida legumes are grown with bahiagrass, and N from these legumes is not a substitute for March N fertilizer. Matter of fact, research has shown that N fertilization of bahiagrass can depress carpon desmodium yield when grown with bahiagrass. Few ranchers fertilize bahiagrass in June to September because what they need then is grass quality, not quantity. Animal performance in summer can be improved by having a legume in the pasture. Livestock production per acre is increased with N fertilization, and N from legumes can contribute a little here too, but the big contribution of legumes is improving individual animal performance, especially in summer.
Annual legumes depend on rainfall and good pasture management for their continuation.
Carpon desmodium, a perennial, is difficult to establish and requires attentive management to maintain it. With the advantages comes the disadvantages. Back to the Range Cattle Research and Education Center Home Page Back to the Publications Page Back to the Ona Reports Page.