Due to the expansion of farming, many agricultural systems now depend more on chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilisers to boost farm output. Leguminous cover crops are used to improve soil fertility and to increase nitrogen availability for crop production. This review focuses mainly on evaluating the role of leguminous cover crops on soil's physical, chemical and biological properties. Furthermore, it focuses on the role of cover crops in crop biomass, grass nutritive value and crop-livestock grazing systems. This review used the Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases (accessed between January 2003 and December 2022). To find publications in the scope of the study, the authors combined different groups of keywords. The reviewed literature revealed that leguminous cover crops significantly increase yield due to an increase of nitrogen through nitrogen fixation. In addition, leguminous cover crops boost the forage's nutritional value, lowering feed costs and increasing livestock productivity. As a result of these findings, farmers can reap the benefits of leguminous cover crops in various ways, including enhancement of soil health, biomass, yield and reducing overall production costs.

With the world’s population growing at an alarming rate, there is an urgent need to improve food security. This study aimed to assess forage dry matter yield and plant density under different herbicide treatments at Kubedlana arable lands. The study was carried out using eight treatments consisting of seven herbicide treatments and a control. Seed mixtures of seven legume species were broadcasted in 24 plots of 3 m × 5 m size. Herbicide treatments including Bendioxide (BEN), Glyphosate (GLY), Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL), Haloxyfop-R methyl and Bendioxide (HBE), Paraquat (PAR), Bendioxide (BRR), and Paraquat (PRR) were applied individually in three plots. Dry matter production and plant densities were determined in five randomly distributed 0.25 m² quadrats per plot. The results revealed that GLY had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher effect on the DM yield compared with other treatments. Both BRR and HBE significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the DM yield. GLY and HBE significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the grass density in 2017 and BRR significantly affected (p < 0.05) the legume density in May 2017 and May 2018, respectively. These results indicate that the application of GlY and HAL resulted in the reduction of grass density. Furthermore, none of the applied chemicals negatively influenced the legume density.

Sorghum halepense is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural ecosystems worldwide. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin, distribution patterns, impacts on both biodiversity and livestock, and management strategies. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion, impact on native plants and livestock, and possible control measures. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The results showed that Johnsongrass is making a gradual invasion in South Africa through seed production and rhizome systems. Sorghum halepense alters native species composition, subsequently reduces biodiversity, and outcompetes native species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to herbivores. Management strategies such as mechanical, burning, and chemical methods vary in terms of effectiveness. Some of these measures are influenced by the genetic make-up of the plant, costs associated with each control measure and other environmental factors. This review highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. This review emphasises the importance of adopting integrated management strategies that effectively control both seed production and underground stems. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures. Bringing together policy makers and specialists in weed science, natural conservation science, and animal health will be essential for reaching consensus on the actions required to curb the expansion and reduce the economic losses associated with the abundance of Sorghum halepense in our ecosystems.

Sorghum halepense (Johnsongrass) is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural and rangeland ecosystems worldwide. Its rapid spread, ecological adaptability, and dual role as both a potential forage resource and a toxic risk to livestock present complex challenges for sustainable livestock production. Despite extensive research on its ecology and management, existing knowledge remains fragmented across multiple disciplines, limiting the development of integrated control strategies. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin and distribution patterns, biodiversity impacts, livestock-related risks, and management strategies associated with S. halepense, intending to inform sustainable livestock production systems. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion ecology, livestock toxicity, and weed management. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The findings indicate that S. halepense has successfully invaded diverse agro-ecological regions due to its hybrid origin, polyploid genome structure, prolific seed production, and extensive rhizome system. The species significantly alters plant community composition, reduces biodiversity, and competes with crops and native forage species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to grazing livestock. Current control strategies, including mechanical removal, cultural practices, herbicide application, and prescribed burning, vary in effectiveness and are often limited by ecological constraints, cost, and the increasing emergence of herbicide resistance. The review highlights the need for integrated, ecosystem-based management strategies that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures suitable for livestock production systems. A multidisciplinary framework integrating weed science, rangeland ecology, and animal health will be critical for mitigating the ecological and economic impacts of S. halepense in invaded landscapes.

A field experiment consisted of a 4 × 4 × 2 factorial layout in a randomised complete block design with four replicates at the Mariendahl and Welgevallen sites, Western Cape province, South Africa....

Climate change poses substantial risks to smallholder farmers in Africa, leading to poor productivity and food insecurity. To combat these challenges, farmers are adopting Climate-Smart Agri-practices and productive food systems. However, low adoption persists due to socioeconomic and institutional barriers. Hence, this study seeks to investigate the factors influencing the adoption intensity of climate-smart Agri-practices by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, by collecting data from 384 farmers through a semi-structured questionnaire and employing multi-stage sampling. The descriptive statistics showed male dominance, with an average age of 47 years and a family size of four. Membership in farm organisations and access to extension services facilitated adoption. Farmers use techniques such as mulching, crop rotation, irrigation, conservation agriculture, and organic and drought-tolerant crop varieties to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Inferential analysis revealed that adoption correlates with age, farm size, credit access, education level, and experience with climate change. In contrast, the truncated regression highlights the influence of education level, off-farm income, proximity to markets, and family size. The study recommends that policymakers increase the number of extension officers in rural areas to educate farmers through demonstrations and aid the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Moreover, addressing socioeconomic barriers and offering incentives are crucial for transforming smallholder farming amidst climate change.