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Abstract
The modified quantitative climax method previously developed for assessing veld condition in the humid grasslands of Natal has been refined and expanded as data derived from its use have accumulated. As previously, basal cover and species composition are determined on a 30 × 30 m plot from 200 points observed using the wheel‐point apparatus. Plants are grouped into ecological classes which are defined on the basis of how the plants respond to grazing and burning. These and additional, subjectively assessed parameters of the veld being evaluated, are compared to those of the benchmark — a site chosen to represent the agro‐ecological ideal for the area. These data are then used to estimate the current grazing capacity.
The method has been adapted to bushveld sites, where an assessment of the tree component of the community is also required, and there appears to be no valid reason why it should not be suited to the arid grassland and karroo regions as well.
Uittreksel
Die gewysigde kwantitatiewe klimaks metode voorheen wat ontwikkel is vir die bepaling van veld toestand by die vogtige grasveld van Natal is verfyn en uitgebrei soos data wat deur die gebruik daarvan ingesamel is beskikbaar word. Soos voorheen, word basale bedekking en spesies samestelling bepaal op ‘n 30 × 30 m perseel vanaf 200 punte wat waargeneem is met die gebruik van ‘n wielpunt apparaat. Plante word in ekologiese Masse wat op ‘n basis van hulle reaksie tot wei en brand gedefinieer is, gegroepeer. Hierdie en bykomstige parameters wat subjektief bepaal is vanaf die veld wat evalueer is, word vergylyk met die van ‘n bankmerk — lokaliteit uitgesoek om die agro‐ekologiese ideaal vir die lokaliteit te verteenwoordig. Hierdie data word dan gebruik om die huidige drakrag te beraam.
Die metode is aangepas vir bosveld lokaliteite, waar ‘n beraming van die boom komponent van die gemeenskap ook benodig word, en dit lyk ook asof daar geen goeie rede is hoekom dit nie by die dorre grasveld en karoo gebiede aangepas behoort te kan word nie.
