An evaluation of veld condition assessment techniques in Highland Sourveld.

Abstract

An evaluation of six methods used to index veld condition showed that the majority provided indices that were insensitive to long-term grazing impact. However, certain species were found to either increase or decrease in relative abundance with an increase in grazing intensity. A key species method is therefore suggested to be a potentially sensitive approach for indexing veld condition in relation to grazing management in the Highland Sourveld.Language: English

Keywords: grazing; grazing impact; grazing intensity; grazing management; highland sourveld; key species; method; natal; ordination; relative abundance; south africa; stocking rate; Stocking rates; tabamhlope research station; Techniques; veld condition; veld condition assessment; Veld conditions