THE RATE OF DECAY OF CATTLE DUNG PATCHES IN A CYNODON-NLEMFUENSIS GRASSLAND IN THE DRY SEASON

The rate of decay of daily cow dung patches was studied in a Cynodon n lemfuensis sward where 40 dung patches were deposited in the dry seaso n to determine monthly dry weight variations. Results were analysed us ing regression models. Cattle dung patches lost only between 10 and 20 % of their initial weight during the first 30 to 60 days and disappear ed between 180 and 240 days. The variation in dry weight was related t o rainfall and temperature, and correlation coefficients higher than 0 .98 were obtained. Regression analyses showed a good fit to quadratic equations for all months studied. Rainfall distribution and frequency were the most important factors affecting the rate of decay of the dun g patches.