The eradication of Macchia (Fynbos) vegetation on the Amatole mountains of the Eastern Cape**

The work reported in this paper forms part of an M.Sc. (Agric.) thesis submitted to the University of Natal.

Abstract

On the Amatole mountains of the Eastern Cape Province extensive tracts of grassveld have been invaded by Macchia (Fynbos) vegetation and rendered agriculturally unproductive. Two distinct Macchia communities occur, namely the Lowland Macchia dominated by Cliffortia linearifolia, and the Highland Macchia dominated by Erica brownleeae and Cliffortia paucistaminea. A similar experiment was laid out in each Community to determine the most effective method of eradicating the Macchia and replacing it wilh’ a grass sward. A wide range of treatments, comprising spraying with 2–4–5T weedicide, burning, cutting and stumping was applied. Stumping and burning most effectively eradicated C. lincarifolia, whereas burning and, to a slightly lesser degree cutting and spraying, were very effective in eradicating E. brownleeae and C. paucistaminea.

UITTREKSEL

Uitgebreide streke grasveld is ingedring deur Fynbos (Macchia) in die Amatoleberge van die Oos Kaap en sodoenda landboukundig on produktief gemaak. Twee duidelike Fynbos gemeenskappe kom voor, naamlik, die Laaglandfynbos gedomineer deur Cliffortia linearifolia en die Hooglandfynhos gedomineer deur Erica brownleeae en Cliffortia paucistaminea. Soortgelyke proewe is uitgelê in elke gemeenskap om die mees effektiewe uitroeiingsmetode en vervanging van die fynbos met ‘n grasbedekking, te bepaal. ‘n Wye reeks behandelings is toegepas, insluitende bespuiting met 2–4–5T onkruiddoder, brand, sny en die verwyde‐ring von die hele plant. Plante verwydering en brand is die mees effektiewe metodes om C. linearifolia uit te roei, terwvyl brand, en tot ‘n mindere mate sny en bespuiting, baie effektief is vir die uitroeiing van E. brownleeae en C. paucistaminea.

Notes

The work reported in this paper forms part of an M.Sc. (Agric.) thesis submitted to the University of Natal.