Short term effects of defoliation on herbage yield at three veld condition sites in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Province.

Abstract

All combinations of three frequencies and three intensities of defoliation were applied at three veld condition sites in the false thornveld of the Eastern Province during a single growing season. Treatment effects were recorded during the season of application, and their carry over effects recorded during the subsequent season. Veld condition had greatest influence on herbage yield. Frequency and intensity of defoliation affected yield to a lesser degree, and this was manifested both during the season of application of treatments and in the subsequent season. The effect was greatest on veld in good condition. Mean treatment yields were higher during the second than the first season. This is largely attributed to the difference in rainfall between the two seasons.

Keywords: defoliation; eastern cape; false thornveld; frequency of defoliation; herbage; herbage yield; rainfall; south africa; university of fort hare; veld condition; yield