Simplified techniques for assessing range condition for livestock production: An example from Ciskei

Abstract

In the past, the only available techniques for assessing range condition in Ciskei were laborious and required specialist knowledge. Simplified techniques were developed specifically for use by extension officers and fanners in Ciskei. The techniques are for the herbaceous layer and the woody layer, and both are practical, rapid and easy to use and are best used simultaneously. The vegetation of Ciskei was stratified and data were collected for sites of different range condition in each stratum. Point surveys were conducted in the herbaceous layer and quadrat surveys in the woody layer. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine key ecological species and key forage species for the herbaceous layer, while photographs that represent different range conditions were identified for the woody layer.

Notes

Respectively Senior Researcher, Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute, University of Fort Hare: Lecturer, Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare; and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Fort Hare.

This work was commissioned and funded by the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Ciskei Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The evaluations of two anonymous referees are gratefully acknowledged.