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PASTURE ESTABLISHMENT THROUGHs LINE PLANTING AND BROADCASTING TECHNIQUES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF METHODS, PRACTICES, EFFICIENCY, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Agbenyi Emmanuel Omenka, David Adzoyi Abizi, Innocent Hyellakasiya, Benjamin Mafeng Bot, Hashimu Miracle Dadiyel, Haruna Monica Mabi, Wum'an Makkwoop Iliya, Danjuma Adikaba, Abdullahi Adeola Ariya, Ngurukwem Henry Chiebuka, Maduka Olive Onyinyechi, Rashida Abdulsalam Mustapha, Izang Jennifer Itse, Simon Jennifer Haruna, Moses Matilda Dabwel, Jecintha Oluchi Okoye, Samuel Moses, Sati Chamdat Daswan, Salihu Amos, Wumnokol Njukumnan, Paul Ayaka Agabi, Nwosu Ejike Peter, Titus Tuamlong Kwanmen, Sarah Nimbam, Oshibanjo Olusegun

Agbenyi Emmanuel Omenka — University of Jos (Unijos)

David Adzoyi Abizi — University of Jos (Unijos)

Innocent Hyellakasiya — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria (innocent@gmail.com)

Benjamin Mafeng Bot — University of Jos (Unijos)

Hashimu Miracle Dadiyel — University of Jos (Unijos)

Haruna Monica Mabi — University of Jos (Unijos)

Wum'an Makkwoop Iliya — University of Jos (Unijos)

Danjuma Adikaba — University of Jos (Unijos)

Abdullahi Adeola Ariya — University of Jos (Unijos)

Ngurukwem Henry Chiebuka — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Maduka Olive Onyinyechi — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Rashida Abdulsalam Mustapha — University of Jos (Unijos)

Izang Jennifer Itse — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Simon Jennifer Haruna — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Moses Matilda Dabwel — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Jecintha Oluchi Okoye — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Samuel Moses — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Sati Chamdat Daswan — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Salihu Amos — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Wumnokol Njukumnan — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Paul Ayaka Agabi — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Nwosu Ejike Peter — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Titus Tuamlong Kwanmen — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Sarah Nimbam — Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Oshibanjo Olusegun — Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pasture establishment represents one of the most critical agronomic investments in livestock and ruminant production systems globally. The choice of planting method — whether line planting (drill or row seeding) or broadcasting (surface or aerial seed dispersal) — profoundly influences seedling emergence, stand density, uniformity, weed competition, long-term forage yield, and the overall economic sustainability of the pasture enterprise. This review critically examines the agronomic, ecological, economic, and management dimensions of both methods across diverse agro-ecological zones, with particular emphasis on tropical and sub-tropical production systems relevant to sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia. Evidence from controlled experiments, farm surveys, and long-term agronomic trials is synthesised to evaluate the comparative performance of each method under varying soil types, rainfall regimes, species compositions, and management intensities. The review further discusses species-specific considerations, seeding rate optimisation, soil preparation requirements, post-establishment management, and the emerging role of precision seeding technologies. Findings indicate that line planting consistently delivers superior stand establishment, higher long-term forage productivity, and better weed suppression, while broadcasting offers cost-effective, large-scale application advantages particularly in rough terrain and when species diversity is prioritised. A decision framework integrating farm-specific factors is proposed to guide practitioners in selecting the most appropriate method. The review concludes with evidence-based recommendations for integrating the two approaches under complementary conditions to maximise pasture establishment success.

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Publication Info

Published in: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

Pages: 189 - 212

DOI: 10.xxxxx/jjaases.2026.4fe1a300

License: CC-BY-4.0

OA
Open Access (CC-BY 4.0)

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Submitted: 9/15/2026

Accepted: 9/15/2026

Published: 9/19/2026

Disclosures

Funding:

No specific funding was declared for this work.

Conflict of Interest:

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.