Stable production versus resilience: A grazing management conflict?

Abstract

The dynamics of grazed semi‐arid savannas are analysed in terms of four main variables, viz. grass, woody vegetation, soil moisture and herbivore stocking rate. It is contended that under conditions of good veld management the composition and structure of the vegetation changes such that the system becomes potentially more susceptible to severe degradation than one which has been subjected, at least periodically, to severe or excessive grazing.

Uittreksel

Die dinamiek van beweide onvrugbare savannes word hoofsaaklik ontleed in vier veranderlike termes naamlik; gras, houtagtige plantegroei, grond vog gehalte en die veëbelading. Dit word beweer dat die samestelling en struktuur van die plantegroei onder toestande van goeie veld beheer so verander dat die sisteem moontlik meer vatbaar vir geweldige afbreking word, as een wat ten minste af en toe aan strawwe weiding of oorweiding onderworpe was.