Theme 1-2: Rangeland/Grassland Ecology--Poster Sessions

Description

Attempts to monitor and mitigate rangeland deterioration in Communal Property Associations projects require some understanding of the knowledge of species composition and distribution. The study was conducted to compare the herbaceous in three selected CPAs projects (Mashung Matlala - Sandy loam, Mawela - clay loam, and Bela-Bela - clay) in South Africa. Mawela and Mashung Matlala CPAs were overgrazed. For species density, basal strike, and biomass, three transects (500m), which served as replicates, were established at two camps of each of the selected CPAs. Variation in herbaceous vegetation parameters was explored through SAS software. Clay soil type had better (P < 0.05) mineral concentration levels when compared to other two soil types. Pooled data from all sites revealed that, in terms of grazing value, all CPAs share the same amount (33 %) of species. Eragrostis curvula was dominant in clay-loam and common in clay and sandy loam. Eragrostis rigidior was common in clay and clay loam and rare in sandy loam. Clay soil type had the highest (P< 0.05) DM yield (711.8 kg/ha ±54.82) and Basal strike (38% ± 3.28) and less forbs (0.46 % ± 0.98). The results suggest that there should be an improvement in the utilisation of rangelands in CPA through administering proper stocking rate in line with carrying capacity of the rangelands.

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Grass Species Density and Biomass of South African Communal Property Association Farms Differing in Soil Properties

Attempts to monitor and mitigate rangeland deterioration in Communal Property Associations projects require some understanding of the knowledge of species composition and distribution. The study was conducted to compare the herbaceous in three selected CPAs projects (Mashung Matlala - Sandy loam, Mawela - clay loam, and Bela-Bela - clay) in South Africa. Mawela and Mashung Matlala CPAs were overgrazed. For species density, basal strike, and biomass, three transects (500m), which served as replicates, were established at two camps of each of the selected CPAs. Variation in herbaceous vegetation parameters was explored through SAS software. Clay soil type had better (P < 0.05) mineral concentration levels when compared to other two soil types. Pooled data from all sites revealed that, in terms of grazing value, all CPAs share the same amount (33 %) of species. Eragrostis curvula was dominant in clay-loam and common in clay and sandy loam. Eragrostis rigidior was common in clay and clay loam and rare in sandy loam. Clay soil type had the highest (P< 0.05) DM yield (711.8 kg/ha ±54.82) and Basal strike (38% ± 3.28) and less forbs (0.46 % ± 0.98). The results suggest that there should be an improvement in the utilisation of rangelands in CPA through administering proper stocking rate in line with carrying capacity of the rangelands.