(a) List ten common grass and legume species of Nigerian pastures giving their common and botanical names.
(b) Discuss three factors affecting the distribution of pastures in Nigeria
Explanation
Common and botanical names of Five grass specie are:
Elephant grass – Pennisetum purpurem
Guinea grass – Panicum maximum
Giant star grass – Cynodon plectostahyum
Carpet grass – Axonopus compressus
Spear grass – Imperata cylindrical
Common and botanical names of Five legume specie are:
Centro – Centrosema pubescens
Stylo – Stylosanthes gracilic
Kudzu or puero – Pueraria phaseoloideslia
Calopo – Calopogonium mucunoides
Cowpea – Vigna ungiculata
Three factors affecting the distribution of pasture in Nigeria are (i) Rainfall: The amount of rainfail determines the nature of pasture. Too much or no rainfall prevent the growth of pasture. (ii) Soil type; type of soil determines the rate of growth of pasture. Some soils to favour pasture growth than others, (iii) Pests and diseases: High incidence of pests and diseases in an area tends to reduce the quality and quantity of pasture