Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre has determined that buffel grass is a more sensible alternative to Rhodes grass, and the organization has begun educating farmers about proper cultivation methods. Rhodes grass has traditionally been the Abu Dhabi farmers’ fodder crop of choice, and although further studies may reveal an even better alternative, buffel grass has so far proven to be the most productive, water-efficient and cost effective.

Farmers are now discouraged from growing Rhodes grass, and the government stopped marketing it in the Western Region in September 2010 and in Abu Dhabi in September 2011. In Al Ain, farmers still have the option of marketing Rhodes grass to the government (unless a farm happens to have water quality of less than 4000 ppm salt content).

ADFSC has been studying more water-efficient and productive crops in partnership with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), and buffel grass has emerged as the best alternative out of a number of different fodder crops. In fact, proper irrigation for local conditions should use 40% less water than Rhodes grass.

"Of course, water savings are a huge incentive to switch to buffel grass, but perhaps more compelling for farmers is that it ends up being an economically sound decision," said Chris Hirst, CEO of ADFSC. "Especially when you consider that it’s more productive and more nutritious for livestock." Through a series of seminars that ADFSC is hosting in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Agricultural Engineering Company (AGRENCO), farmers will be educated about proper cultivation methods and best growing practices. The first of these seminars was held 26 September in Ghayathi in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. Two more will be given in Abu Dhabi and the Western Region in the coming weeks.

"The cultivation of buffel grass is very similar to that of Rhodes grass," said Hirst. "This makes switching to its cultivation a relatively easy transition." As far as seedbed preparation, sowing and fertilizing, the cultivation of buffel grass is virtually the same as Rhodes grass. Farm workers will not have to learn new methods.

When it comes to production, however, buffel grass should yield seven or more cuttings per year under optimal conditions. Rhodes grass, by comparison, will yield only five or, at most, six cuttings per year. In addition, buffel grass seeds can also be cultivated for four years, one year more than is typical for Rhodes grass. Buffel grass is also more nutrient-rich than Rhodes grass and easier for animals to digest, making it an all-around more efficient forage crop.

Raising livestock is a key aspect of integrated farming, which combines date production, forage and animal production and, less often in the UAE, vegetable production. The combination of these practices makes farms more self-sufficient, efficient and often more environmentally friendly.

ADFSC recommends an integrated farming approach because it contributes to overall farm health, is cost effective and self-sustaining. For instance, waste from the vegetable crop or date harvest can be used to feed the livestock, and composted animal manure can be used to fertilize crops.

"For farm owners growing their own livestock feed, it makes sense to plant the crop that takes up the least amount of land and uses the least amount of water and other resources. Save that land for more profitable crops." said Hirst.

Buffel grass seeds can be obtained at any of the ADFSC agricultural input shops.

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