Exploratory trials on reinforcement of veld with legumes in the south‐eastern transvaal highveld

Abstract

The feasibility and potential of reinforcing veld with legumes in the south‐eastern Transvaal highveld was assessed in a number of trials during the period 1974–84. Experience was gained with regard to methods of establishment, adaptation of legumes to the local environment, responses to fertilization, especially with lime and superphosphate, and the reaction of legumes to fire and grazing. In all, 17 legumes were involved, including the genera Coronilla, Desmodium, Glycine, Lespedeza, Lotus, Macroptilium, Medicago, Neoto‐nonia, Trifolium and Vigna. Only Coronilla varia (crownvetch) showed a satisfactory degree of persistence. However, crownvetch is slow to establish, is intolerant of waterlogging and has a relatively high requirement for lime and phosphate. Considering these features, and the probability of undesirable changes in grass species composition in reinforced veld, it is recommended that intensification be achieved through development of improved pastures for use in conjunction with veld, rather than by means of veld reinforcement.

Uittreksel

Die moontlikheid en potensiaal van veldversterking met peulgewasse in die suidoos‐Transvaalse Hoëveld is in ‘n aantal proewe gedurende die tydperk 1974–84 ondersoek. Ondervinding is opgedoen ten opsigte van vestigingsmetode, aanpassing van peulgewasse in die plaaslike omgewing, reaksie op bemesting, veral met kalk en superfosfaat, en reaksie op brand en beweiding. In totaal was 17 peulgewasse betrokke, insluitende die genera Coronilla, Desmodium, Glycine, Lespedeza, Lotus, Macroptilium, Medicago, Neotononia, Trifolium en Vigna. Slegs Coronilla varia (kroonwiek) het ‘n bevredigende mate van standhoudenheid verioon. Kroonwiek is egter stadig om te vestig, gevoelig vir versuiping en het relatie hoë behoeftes vir kalk en fosfaat. Hierdie eienskappe in ag geneem, asook die waarskynlikheid van ongewenste veranderinge in gras— spesie‐samestelling in versterkte veld, word dit aanbeveel dat intensifikasie deur ontwikkeling van aange‐piante weidings vir gebruik saam met veld eerder as deur veldversterking.