With reference to ‘Elephant Grass’, consider the following...
- Napier grass, also known as elephant grass, is a productive and versatile forage grass native to Africa and southeast Asia. Due to its high yield, it is widely used as feed for livestock and in bioenergy applications.
- Elephant grass is a multipurpose plant. The young leaves and shoots are edible by humans and can be cooked to make soups and stews (Burkill, 1985). The culms can be used to make fences, and the whole plant is used for thatch. It is considered a potential second generation energy source crop in the USA (EPA, 2013). Leaf and culm infusions are reported to have diuretic properties (Duke, 1983). Elephant grass has several environmental applications. It can be used to make mulch and to provide soil erosion control. It is a weed controller and, in Africa, it has been reported to be used as a trap plant in push-pull management strategies to fight against stem borers in maize crops (see Environmental impact below) (Khan et al., 2007).
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With reference to ‘Elephant Grass’, consider the following...
Correct Statement:
- All three statements are correct: Elephant grass can indeed be cooked to make soups and stews, used as feed for livestock, and utilized in the production of biofuels.
Explanation:
- Cooking: Elephant grass, also known as Napier grass, can be chopped and cooked to make nutritious soups and stews. It is a common practice in some regions to use it as a food source due to its high fiber content.
- Feed for Livestock: Elephant grass is a popular choice as livestock feed due to its high nutritional value. It is rich in protein and other essential nutrients, making it a suitable option for cattle, goats, and other animals.
- Production of Biofuels: Elephant grass is considered a valuable source for the production of biofuels. Its rapid growth rate, high biomass yield, and cellulose content make it an attractive option for biofuel production.
Therefore, all three statements are accurate in describing the various uses and benefits of elephant grass. It serves multiple purposes ranging from food source to livestock feed to renewable energy production.