Veld condition in the south‐eastern Transvaal and its effect on grazing capacity

Abstract

A survey conducted on sites throughout the south‐eastern Transvaal, representing 1,4 million hectares of natural veld has confirmed the parlous state of composition, cover and vigour. The implications which these conditions hold, not only for conservation of soil and water resources, but also for the livestock industry in this area, with specific reference to the current grazing capacity of the veld, are discussed.

Uittreksel

‘n Opname wat op persele in die suid‐oos Transvaal uitgevoer is, en wat 1,4 miljoen hektaar veld verteenwoordig, het die swak toestand van dié veld in terme van samestelling, bedekking en groeikragtigheid bevestig. Die implikasies van hierdie bevindinge in terme van die bewaring oan hulpbronne, sowel as die veebedryj in dié gebied — met spesiale verwysing na die huidige weidingskapasiteit van die veld — word breedvoerig bespreek.

Additional index words:

• Botanical composition
• basal cover
• vigour
• problem species

Notes

Department of Plant Production, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.