Assessment of the disc pasture meter on natural veld in the false thornveld of the eastern province

Abstract

The use of the standard disc pasture meter is found to be a reliable technique for estimating the yield of the densely tufted grass swards found in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Province. It compares favourably with traditional methods of yield estimation in the veld type and its attractiveness lies in the rapidity with which yield estimates can be made and the non‐destructive nature of sampling. This latter property enables it to be used to identify the critical level of pasture utilisation, to estimate animal intake and to study animal selection patterns.

Uittreksel

Die standaard skyf‐weiveldmeter word aanvaar as ‘n betroubare instrument om opbrengs van die dig gepolde grasveld soos aangetref word in die Skyn‐doringveld van die Oostelike Provinsie te bepaal. Dit vergelyk goed met erkende metodes van opbrengs bepaling in die veldtipe. Sy aanvaarbaarheid lê in die vinnige opbrengs bepaling en die nie beskadigende aard van monstering. Laasgenoemde eienskap stel dit in Staat om gebruik te word om kritiese waardes van weiveld te stel, asook om diereverbruik te bepaal en diereseleksie patrone te bestudeer.

Notes

Present address: Dohne Agricultural Research Institute, Stutterheim.