The grazing capacity of sweetveld: 2. A model to estimate grazing capacity in the false thornveld of the eastern cape

Abstract

The relations between grazing capacity and three independent variables were investigated in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape. The variables were veld condition, rainfall and the density of woody species. These relations were used to develop a preliminary model to assess grazing capacity in the veld type. Despite its preliminary nature, grazing capacities calculated using the model compare favourably with those estimated by experienced pasture scientists, and with the stocking rate actually applied on veld that is considered to be excellently managed.

Uittreksel

Die verwantskap tussen weikapasiteit en drie onafhanklike vemnderlikes is in die Skyn‐Doringveld van die Oostelike Provinsie bepaal. Hierdie veranderlikes is veldtoestand, reënval en die digtheid van die houtagtige komponent. Hierdie verwantskappe is aangewend om ‘n voorlopige model te ontwikkel om weikapasiteit in genoemde veldtipe te bepaal. Ten spyte van die voorlopige aard van die model, vergelyk weikapasiteit was daarmee bereken word gunstig met skattings van kundige weidingkundiges en met veeladings wat werklik toegepas word op veld wat beskou word om in ‘n uitstekende toestand te verkeer.