Abstract:
Main objective of the present study was to identify pasture/ forage varieties grown in
saline wetland grassland soils in the southern coastal region of Sri Lanka. The selected
sites were Kalutara, Ambalangoda, Matara, Tangalle and Bundala. Nutritive quality of
forage varieties (Proximate composition and Ca, Mg, K and Fe) was also measured so
that suitable pasture/ forage varieties for dairy animals could be selected. Naturally
grown forage species of selected sites were collected and identified. Salinity
measurements observed for Kalutara, Ambalangoda, Matara, Bundala and Tangalle
were 0.1 to 0.8,2 to 6.6,0.8 to 2,6.2 to 16.6 and 4.1 to 5.1 mS/cm respectively. Twenty
five forage species were selected according to the species richness. Some of the
abundant forages were Clitoria laurifolia, Cynadon dactylon(\arge leaves), Cynadon
dactylon(n&rrow leaves), Cyperus melanospermus, Desmodium heterocarpon,
Desmodium heterophllum, Elecoharis caribaea, Fimbristulits dichotoma, Oryza
rufipogon, Panicum repens, Paspalum gerninatum, Paspalum cummersonii , Typha
javanica and Sacciolepis interrupta. According to proximate composition of forages,
Desmodium heterocarpon had the highest crude protein content (16.8%) whereas the
lowest value of 2.80% was found in Cynadon dactylon (large leaves). Ether extract was
low in all tested forages. However, mineral content of forages were with in the normal
range for forages. According to the results, Desmodium, Clitoria laurifolia and
Paspalidium germinatum could be selected as suitable forages for ruminants. However,
further studies on dry matter yield and palatability are being needed before making a
firm recommendation.
