Elyonurus argenteus Nees – a review

Abstract

Elyonurus argenteus probably causes more selective grazing problems in South Africa than any other single species. Chromosome counts indicate a number of races within local material of this world-wide genus. E. argenteus occurs in 34 of the 70 main veld types of South Africa and is associated with sandy soils. As a species high in the succession, it is sensitive to high nitrogen. Its reaction to defoliation and its competitive ability depend largely on soil type. Information on the germination and nutritive value of E. argenteus indicates that its population dynamics and contribution cannot be extrapolated from one region to another.

Keywords: reviews|grazing|selective grazing|grazing problems|grasses|sandy soils|nitrogen|soil types|defoliations|competitive abilities|germination|nutritive values|sourveld|veld types|distributions|growth|succession|fire effects|fires|fertilisation