Management
Plant from late spring/early summer into a firm seed bed at a seeding depth of no deeper than 0.6 cm. Soil temperatures at planting should be at least 16° C and rising. Teff does not tolerate frost. Therefore, planting dates should be well beyond historic first spring frost dates. Teff grows best when air and soil temperature are warm. Early spring plantings during cool periods may result in slow growth and crop stunting. Teff should be cut before heading for best forage quality and leave a minimum of 10 cm stubble. Multiple cut systems may require split applications of nitrogen for maximum production. Delaying harvest until heading may adversely affect the yield of subsequent cuts and the total seasonal yield.
SA Brown
• Excellent for hay production – especially in the higher rainfall areas
• It can be used for grazing and should be grazed at an early stage to improve palatability
• It is also very effective as green manure crop and to suppress weeds
• Plant from October to December
• Average rainfall: >500 mm
• Widely adapted to soil types – from sand to clay
• Fertilizer applications positively effect dry matter production