Boma Rhodes grass is one of the best fodder you can grow for cows. It is the main type of grass grown by commercial dairy farmers in Kenya and contributed greatly to high milk production in cows.
The Boma Rhodes grass is a perennial grass that originates from South Africa. It should be sowed during the beginning of the rainy season if you want to achieve good results.
The Boma Rhodes grass has a strong root system which helps it get water during the dry season. Boma Rhodes grass spreads quickly, forming a good ground cover, and can grow up to 1.5m in height.
This grass is such a blessing for it can grow almost anywhere in Kenya. As long as your soil is good and you have water…boom! Oh and it t also recovers well in case of fire.
Table of Contents
- How to grow Boma Rhodes Grass
- How to apply fertilizer for growing Boma Rhodes grass
- What is the seed rate of Boma Rhodes seeds per acre?
- Weeding Boma Rhodes grass
- How to make hay using Boma Rhodes grass
- Boma Rhodes yield per acre
- Why you should bale Boma Rhodes grass
- How long does Boma Rhodes last before I plant again?
- Where can I get Boma Rhodes seeds in Kenya?
- How grow your grass quickly after cutting
- Boma Rhodes Grass Price in Kenya: Factors Affecting the Current Price and Future Trends
- Planting Boma Rhodes seeds in Kenya
How to grow Boma Rhodes Grass
I have been growing Boma Rhodes grass for quite some time and this is how I usually sow the seeds;
- Plough and harrow your shamba a month before the rainy season. Make sure all the soil lumps have been broken down and the shamba is looking nice and neat.
- Wait for the rains to start before sowing.
- Use a jembe and make rows across your farm at a spacing of 60m by 90 from each other and it should be consolidated properly to facilitate good germination. This works well for guys with small acreages.
- Mix your seeds with dry sand and fertilizer preferably NPK (Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), and scatter them inside the rows you made.
- The Boma Rhodes grass seeds are usually too small so the dry sand helps in spacing the seeds during sowing. You can also use dry soil or sawdust for mixing.
- Once you have scattered the seeds inside the rows, get a tractor and drive on top of the rows for compaction. This will make the seeds get in contact with moist soil so they will absorb moisture and germinate. Cover the seeds with light soil if you can’t get a tractor. Use tree branches or a rake for this job. Do not cover them with a lot of soil for this will prevent them from germinating properly.
- Sowing Boma Rhodes seeds is also done by a wheat drill or planter. This is favorable for large-scale farmers. It is easy to use and operate. The seeds go where wheat seeds go and fertilizer goes into the fertilizer area.
How to apply fertilizer for growing Boma Rhodes grass
I usually grow my Boma Rhodes seeds with NPK fertilizer. I use 1 bag of 50kg per acre. The rate mostly depends on the type of soil so make sure you get your soil tested beforehand.
What is the seed rate of Boma Rhodes seeds per acre?
Boma Rhodes grass seeds are quite vigorous and a small amount of seed can do wonders. You can grow an acre with as little as 2kg of seed. This is however only possible if you are sowing by hand using rows.
It is however recommended to sow 5kg of Boma Rhodes seeds per acre. This usually works best for me.
Weeding Boma Rhodes grass
Start weeding on the 3rd week after planting. This will reduce competition from weeds. Once this is done all will be well. The grass will colonize all the spaces, giving no room for weeds to grow.
How to make hay using Boma Rhodes grass
Boma Rhodes grass is the best type of grass for haymaking. You will have nothing to worry about once drought strikes. Cows love them and your milk will not be affected as the drought ravages on. However, cows don’t depend on grass alone. You also need maize silage and a lot of water for a great milk supply.
The harvest you’re the Boma Rhodes grass when it has achieved 50% flowering. This is when the grass head is opening halfway.
Harvest your grass when there is no hint of rain! Hay and rain are not friends. Make sure you harvest fast before the clouds reach your farm.
Turn the grass using a farm fork to ensure even drying.
Boma Rhodes yield per acre
You can get between 200-250 bales of Boma Rhodes grass per acre. If you neglect to feed your grass then you will get 150 bales. Top dress with CAN one month after planting and after harvesting.
Why you should bale Boma Rhodes grass
Baling Boma Rhodes grass helps in storage. It allows more hay to be stored in a small space. You can hire baling machines from neighbors or use a manual baling machine. In most cases, the guys leasing baling machines will also cut and dry the hay for you at an agreed price.
1 cow requires 14kg of hay per day.
How long does Boma Rhodes last before I plant again?
Your grass will last for 5 years after which you will plow and replant.
Where can I get Boma Rhodes seeds in Kenya?
Call Makimara 0793387901 for Boma Rhodes seeds.
How grow your grass quickly after cutting
Apply 1 bag of 50kg CAN after cutting. This will boost the grass every season.
Boma Rhodes Grass Price in Kenya: Factors Affecting the Current Price and Future Trends
Boma Rhodes grass is one of the most popular types of grass for hay production in Kenya. It is known for its high nutritional value, fast growth rate, and adaptability to different climatic conditions. As a result, Boma Rhodes grass has become a staple feed for livestock farmers across the country.
Currently, the price of Boma Rhodes grass in Kenya stands at Ksh 250 per bale. However, the price can fluctuate depending on various factors such as supply and demand, weather conditions, and transportation costs. In this article, we will discuss these factors and their impact on the current and future price of Boma Rhodes grass in Kenya.
Supply and Demand
The most significant factor affecting the price of Boma Rhodes grass is supply and demand. When the supply of Boma Rhodes grass is high, the price tends to be lower, and when the demand is high, the price goes up. The supply of Boma Rhodes grass is affected by various factors such as the availability of land for cultivation, the level of mechanization in farming, and the cost of inputs such as fertilizer and seeds.
On the other hand, the demand for Boma Rhodes grass is driven by the livestock industry. As the population of livestock in the country increases, the demand for Boma Rhodes grass also increases. This is because livestock farmers need a reliable source of feed to sustain their animals.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions play a significant role in determining the price of Boma Rhodes grass in Kenya. Boma Rhodes grass requires a significant amount of water to grow, and prolonged dry spells can lead to reduced yields, which in turn affects the price. In addition, excessive rainfall can also affect the quality of the hay, leading to lower prices.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs are also a significant factor affecting the price of Boma Rhodes grass in Kenya. The cost of transporting the hay from the farms to the markets can vary depending on the distance and the mode of transport. In addition, the condition of the roads and the availability of transport services can also affect the transportation costs.
Future Trends
The price of Boma Rhodes grass in Kenya usually goes down around September when the grass is abundant due to the rainy season. However, the future trends in the price of Boma Rhodes grass are likely to be influenced by the growing demand for livestock products in the country. As the population of livestock increases, the demand for feed will also increase, which is likely to push up the price of Boma Rhodes grass.
In addition, the government’s efforts to promote the livestock industry through initiatives such as the Livestock Master Plan are likely to increase the demand for Boma Rhodes grass. This is because the plan aims to increase the productivity of the livestock industry by improving the quality of feed and promoting mechanization in farming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the price of Boma Rhodes grass in Kenya is influenced by various factors such as supply and demand, weather conditions, and transportation costs. While the current price of Ksh 250 per bale is relatively high, the future trends in the price of Boma Rhodes grass are likely to be influenced by the growing demand for livestock products in the country. Therefore, livestock farmers should keep an eye on these factors to make informed decisions regarding their feed requirements.
I am interested in planting boma Rhodes in Rarieda.Very good education on the topic.Thnx
Thank you. Wishing you all the best!