The effect of thirty years of burning on the Highland Sourveld of Natal

Abstract

A veld condition assessment was used to determine the effect of past burning treatments on the species composition of Highland Sourveld at Cathedral Peak. Veld condition scores in grassland protected from fire were significantly lower than where veld had been burnt or burnt and grazed at regular intervals. Frequent defoliation was found to maintain the grassland composition largely unchanged over a period of 30 years. Individual species were found to react strongly to defoliation frequency.

Uittreksel

Veldtoestand veranderings is gebruik om die invloed van vorige brandbehandelings op spesiesamestelling van Hoëlandsuurveld te Cathedral Peak te bestudeen Grassveld wat teen vuur beskerm is het ‘n betekenisvolle laer veldtoestand‐puntetelling gehad as dié wat gebrand is of gebmnd en met gereelde tussenposes bewei is. Dit is gevind dat herhaalde ontblaring die samestelling van grasveld grootliks onveranderd gelaat het oor ‘n tydperk van 30 jaar. Enkele soorte reageer merkbaar op frekwensie van ontblaring.

Additional index words:

• species composition
• veld burning
• veld condition