MINERAL AND CRUDE PROTEIN-CONTENT OF NATURAL PASTURES ON ADAMAWA HIGHLANDS, CAMEROON

Mineral and crude protein content of natural pastures of the Adamawa H ighlands of Cameroon were studied over a 12-month period. Samples of p redominantly grazed graminae of these pastures were collected from bas altic and granitic soil types and analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphoru s (P) magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and crude protein (CP) levels. Min eral and crude protein levels varied significantly with soil type, sea son and protein of plant sampled. Calcium, P, Mg, K and CP concentrati ons averaged 0.24 0.10, 0.20, 0.777 and 3.20 percent respectively indi cating deficiencies in Ca, P and CP. Basaltic soil pastures had higher levels of Ca, P, Mg and CP than those of granitic soils. Calcium and Mg levels were significantly lower in pastures during the wet season t han in the dry season. Potassium and CP levels were significantly lowe r in the pastures during the dry season than in the wet season. Concen trations of P did not differ during the wet and dry seasons necessitat ing phosphorus supplementation year round. Use of adapted legume forag es and fertilization of the natural pastures were suggested as alterna tives to supplementation.