The effect of seasonal grazing on the cover and composition of Cymbopogon-Themeda veld

Abstract

The long term effects of grazing during fixed seasons and combinations of the seasons on certain vegetation characteristics of Cymbopogan-Themeda veld of the Central Orange Free State were investigated. Two field experiments were grazed by Merino sheep and Afrikaner cattle respectively. Each of the experiments was a 24 factorial design in which spring, summer, autumn and winter grazing were applied in all combinations.

Keywords: grazing|seasonalities|grass cover|veld|grass compositions|long term outcomes|seasons|vegetation characteristics|sheep|cattle|Orange Free State|field experiments|surveys|botanical analyses|grasses|climax species|pioneer species|subclimax species|vegetation