Short term effects of defoliation on herbage yield at three veld condition sites in the false thornveld of the eastern province

Abstract

All combinations of three frequencies and three intensities of defoliation were applied at three veld condition sites in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Province during a single growing season. Treatment effects were recorded during the season of application, and their carry over effects recorded during the subsequent season. Veld condition had greatest influence on herbage yield. Frequency and intensity of defoliation affected yield to a lesser degree, and this was manifested both during the season of application of treatments and in the subsequent season. The effect was greatest on veld in good condition. Mean treatment yields were higher during the second than the first season. This is largely attributed to the difference in rainfall between the two seasons.

Uittreksel

Al die kombinasies van drie frekwensies en drie intensiteite van ontblaring is op drie veldtoestande in die Skyn Doringveld van die Oostelike Provinsie gedurende ‘n enkele groeiseisoen toegepas. Die invloed van die behandelings is gedurende die seisoen van toediening en die oordraagbare invloed in die daaropvolgende seisoen bepaal. Veldtoestand toon die grootste invloed op weiveldproduksie. Die frekwensie en intensiteit van ontblaring het die produksie tot ‘n mindere mate be'invloed. Hierdie invloed was die grootste by weiveld in goeie toestand. Die gemiddelde produksie van al die behandelings was merkbaar hoer gedurende die tweede seisoen wat grootliks aan die verskil in reënval tussen die twee seisoene toegeskryf kan word.