The impact of fertilization veld in terms of species composition and basal cover of grazed veld in the Potchefstroom area.

Abstract

The impact of fertilization on veld in the Potchefstroom area was investigated. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied annually from 1972/73 until 1981/82. The control plots and the fertilized plots were grazed with year-old steers. Species composition and basal cover were recorded using the wheelpoint technique. The results clearly indicated the formation of a soil fertility gradient as a result of the fertilization. Although there was a decrease in the ecological status of the fertilized plots, the production and palatability of the sward increased and thus also animal performance.

Keywords: animal performance; basal cover; botany; composition; cover; ecological status; fertility; fertilization; nitrogen; palatability; performance; phosphorus; potchefstroom; production; retrogression; soil; soil fertility; south africa; species composition; succession; technique; veld