Classification of the grass layer of semi‐arid rangeland in the Smaldeel area of the eastern Cape

Abstract

Hierarchical classification based on proportional species composition of the grass layer was used to identify and classify semi‐arid rangeland into range types. The relation between range types produced by the classification and the environmental parameters measured were investigated using a two‐group, and a multi‐group stepwise linear discriminant function analysis. The first split of the TWINSPAN dendrogram separated savanna from open grassveld. The open grassveld was characterized by Themeda triandra, Microchloa caffra, Eragrostis capensis and E. plana and the savanna by Setaria neglecta, Sporobolus fimbri atus,Panicum stapfianum and Cymbopogon plurinodis. The two range types were best discriminated by rainfall, soil depth and altitude with sites in the grassveld corresponding to deep soils and receiving rainfall of more than 450 mm a^‐1, and sites in savanna corresponding to shallow soils and receiving rainfall of 400–500 mm a^‐1. Further divisions within these two range types were related to soil textural and chemical characteristics of the A‐horizon. Multi‐group discriminant function analysis identified eight environmental variables which best discriminate between range types at level 3 of the hierarchical dendrogram. Rainfall, soil depth and altitude were selected as the most important environmental variables discriminating between range types. Reclassification by discriminant analysis using the eight selected environmental factors resulted in a 67% concurrence with range types. It is proposed that the area be stratified on the basis of the current classification for monitoring and management purposes.

Additional keywords:

• Classification
• discriminant analysis
• environmental variables
• range type
• species composition