Jointvetch: Native Legume in a New Role for Deer and Cattle

Moore, William; Hilmon, J.

American jointvetch (Aeschynomene americana L.), an annual legume to central and southern Florida, is a palatable forage for deer and cattle. This plant is adapted to drier sites in the pinelands, but it will grow on extremely wet sites. Once established, it will withstand periodic flooding. Jointvetch was established on a 10-acre site in wet prairie to determine its ability to such a site, its utilization by deer, and the dual use of jointvetch and native grasses by deer and cattle. Results indicate American jointvetch is well adapted to south Florida's wet prairies, which are characterized by summer flooding and winter drought. With annual disking and relatively light fertilization, a yield of 2 tons (ovendry) per acre was achieved the third year after planting. Peak growth of jointvetch occurred in August in August and September. Plants bloomed in late September, and stems died by early December. Abundant seed was produced, which germinated in March when soil moisture was adequate. During the first year, heavily browsed vetch developed a branching prostrate growth habit--in contrast to the usual single stem per plant. Late in the growing season numerous upright stems developed. After the first year, about 1/2 ton per acre of other herbage was produced during the winter after jointvetch matured. This herbage was also palatable forage for cattle. Goobergrass (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum), a native forage plant, increased significantly and produced 1 ton per acre on disked sites the third year. This plant could furnish food for cattle in the summer as well as during the winter. Optimum deer-cattle utilization schedules must still be determined.