Household's perceptions and determinants of participation in harvesting rangeland products :|bthe case of Dyamala community, Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mdiya, Lwandiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9187 , vital:34303
- Description: The study reviews the household’s perceptions and determinants of sustainable products harvesting. Communal rangelands are vast natural landscapes in the form of grasslands, shrubs, woodlands, wetlands and deserts with multiple functions to the rural households. Most rural communities share boundaries and interact with rangelands for multiple socioeconomic and environmental reasons. Since most of these interactions are external to the price mechanism, the actual contribution of rangelands to communities has largely been missed. In an effort to appraise and explore the communal rangeland contribution to households, a study from Dyamala community in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality under Amathole District in Eastern Cape was conducted using cross-sectional data. Descriptive results revealed that the majority of the respondents (71 percent) from the study area positively perceived communal rangelands as safety nets. however, there also emerged a fair share of challenges namely, (bad spirit, host predators, compete with arable land) leading to negative perceptions towards communal rangelands. It was also evident that, the majority of respondents from the study area use communal rangelands for fuel wood, construction poles, traditional medicine, with minor harvests of wild food (flora and fauna) and thatch grass. The results of the study also revealed that, rural people depend more on social grants for their income followed by incomes from remittances, agricultural activities and communal rangelands. However, it was established from the results that though communal rangelands provided commercial products capable of generating household income, rangeland users trading such products were receiving meagre incomes. This might be caused by the lack of institutional support to rural households thus, the low incomes received from communal rangelands. To that effect, main communal rangeland products such as, fuel wood, poles and medicine were cited as being more valuable for local domestic use than for the external market. Regression estimates further indicated that participation in communal rangeland products harvesting is more conditioned by perception-related factors as compared to socioeconomic attributes of rural households worth understanding for strategic targeting to promote their conservation. The extant literature and the study results, evidently show that communal rangelands provide a livelihood among rural households although it has a low direct household income potential. Therefore, the respondents were of the view that the use of campaigns targeting several perceptions (such as communal rangelands act as a source of medicinal plants, arable land and income etc) as suggested by the regression estimates may be very useful. The support from the extension department and further research may be necessary for purposes of quantifying harvestable rangeland products capable of enhancing rural livelihoods. Moreover, the observed low income potential of communal rangeland products suggests several technical and institutional challenges worth addressing to promote value addition of rangeland products.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mdiya, Lwandiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9187 , vital:34303
- Description: The study reviews the household’s perceptions and determinants of sustainable products harvesting. Communal rangelands are vast natural landscapes in the form of grasslands, shrubs, woodlands, wetlands and deserts with multiple functions to the rural households. Most rural communities share boundaries and interact with rangelands for multiple socioeconomic and environmental reasons. Since most of these interactions are external to the price mechanism, the actual contribution of rangelands to communities has largely been missed. In an effort to appraise and explore the communal rangeland contribution to households, a study from Dyamala community in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality under Amathole District in Eastern Cape was conducted using cross-sectional data. Descriptive results revealed that the majority of the respondents (71 percent) from the study area positively perceived communal rangelands as safety nets. however, there also emerged a fair share of challenges namely, (bad spirit, host predators, compete with arable land) leading to negative perceptions towards communal rangelands. It was also evident that, the majority of respondents from the study area use communal rangelands for fuel wood, construction poles, traditional medicine, with minor harvests of wild food (flora and fauna) and thatch grass. The results of the study also revealed that, rural people depend more on social grants for their income followed by incomes from remittances, agricultural activities and communal rangelands. However, it was established from the results that though communal rangelands provided commercial products capable of generating household income, rangeland users trading such products were receiving meagre incomes. This might be caused by the lack of institutional support to rural households thus, the low incomes received from communal rangelands. To that effect, main communal rangeland products such as, fuel wood, poles and medicine were cited as being more valuable for local domestic use than for the external market. Regression estimates further indicated that participation in communal rangeland products harvesting is more conditioned by perception-related factors as compared to socioeconomic attributes of rural households worth understanding for strategic targeting to promote their conservation. The extant literature and the study results, evidently show that communal rangelands provide a livelihood among rural households although it has a low direct household income potential. Therefore, the respondents were of the view that the use of campaigns targeting several perceptions (such as communal rangelands act as a source of medicinal plants, arable land and income etc) as suggested by the regression estimates may be very useful. The support from the extension department and further research may be necessary for purposes of quantifying harvestable rangeland products capable of enhancing rural livelihoods. Moreover, the observed low income potential of communal rangeland products suggests several technical and institutional challenges worth addressing to promote value addition of rangeland products.
- Full Text:
Assessment of rangeland condition and evaluation of farmers' perception in Njwaxa and Mbizana communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngcofe, Odwa Armstrong
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13259 , vital:39627
- Description: This study was conducted to determine of rangeland condition in terms of botanical composition, soil nutrient composition, and also to evaluate farmers’ perception on rangeland condition and degradation in two communal villages Njwaxa and Mbizana in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in 2014. A Structured questionnaire consisting of close and open-ended questions was used to investigate farmers’ perceptions on range condition, land degradation, and their causes. Fifty households with livestock were randomly selected in two communal areas of Middledrift (i.e. Njwaxa and Mbizana). Respondents of 21 years and above were selected. For assessment of range condition three homogeneous vegetation units (HVU) were demarcated in all study sites, namely slope; valley and toplands were demarcated and sub-divided into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other 25m apart 1m2 quadrant was systematically located four times along each transect for herbaceous vegetation and soil sampling. The step point method was employed to determine herbaceous species composition and basal cover. A 400m2 belt transect was used to determine woody vegetation composition, density and tree equivalents in each HVU. The germination method was employed for soil seed bank composition and plant density. The soil micro and macro nutrients (N, P, K OC, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were also analyzed The majority of the respondents were between the ages of 51-60 years. Most of the farmers had more cattle (38percent) than goats (32percent) and sheep (30percent). Livestock numbers were perceived to have declined over the previous 20 years by the majority of respondents (96percent). The respondents indicated that their rangelands were mainly used for browsing (1.37), fire wood (2.01), building and fencing (2.63) and medical purposes (3.66). All the respondents indicated that their rangelands were highly degraded. Sheet erosion (50percent) was perceived to be the major type of soil erosion indicator mentioned by the farmers, followed by gully erosion (29percent) and rill erosion (21percent). The rangeland was dominated by Increaser II (pioneer) (63.2 percent) grass species followed by Decreaser (mesophytes) species (26.3percent). Digitaria eriantha in the valley (53.5 percent) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than both in the top (10.5percent) and sloppy areas (33.5percent) at Njwaxa communal rangeland, the abundance of D. eriantha was significantly higher (p<0.05) than top and valley in Mbizana communal rangeland. The results showed that soil seed banks were dominated by perennials, followed by annuals and biennial species being least abundant. The dominant forb Jamebrittenia c.f. albanesis was significantly higher (p<0.05) in both slopes (6.65percent) and toplands (7.34percent) than in the valley (3.15). The second most dominant species Puesdognaphalium undulata was significantly higher (p<0.05) in topland areas (6percent) than in valley bottom (3.8percent) and sloppy areas (4.3percent). The results of soil nutrients revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of OC, Ca, and Mg between the communities and seasons. Phosphorus (P) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter (concentrations) in most of the sites, except the top sites of Mbizana where summer concentration of P was significantly higher than winter. Potassium (K) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer than in winter in most of the HVUs, except the topland areas of Njwaxa and Mbizana sloppy areas where there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of K. Soil pH did not display any significant differences (p>0.05) between communities and sites. The mean soil pH recorded in this study was 5.4 implying the soils of Njwaxa and Mbizana communities were acidic. It is evident that communal farmers are well aware of their rangeland condition, changes occurring in their rangelands, their causes and are capable of suggesting some solutions in controlling the declining condition of the rangelands. This study has shown the importance of engaging farmers’ inputs in range assessment since those are people bearing the consequences of rangeland degradation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngcofe, Odwa Armstrong
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13259 , vital:39627
- Description: This study was conducted to determine of rangeland condition in terms of botanical composition, soil nutrient composition, and also to evaluate farmers’ perception on rangeland condition and degradation in two communal villages Njwaxa and Mbizana in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in 2014. A Structured questionnaire consisting of close and open-ended questions was used to investigate farmers’ perceptions on range condition, land degradation, and their causes. Fifty households with livestock were randomly selected in two communal areas of Middledrift (i.e. Njwaxa and Mbizana). Respondents of 21 years and above were selected. For assessment of range condition three homogeneous vegetation units (HVU) were demarcated in all study sites, namely slope; valley and toplands were demarcated and sub-divided into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other 25m apart 1m2 quadrant was systematically located four times along each transect for herbaceous vegetation and soil sampling. The step point method was employed to determine herbaceous species composition and basal cover. A 400m2 belt transect was used to determine woody vegetation composition, density and tree equivalents in each HVU. The germination method was employed for soil seed bank composition and plant density. The soil micro and macro nutrients (N, P, K OC, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were also analyzed The majority of the respondents were between the ages of 51-60 years. Most of the farmers had more cattle (38percent) than goats (32percent) and sheep (30percent). Livestock numbers were perceived to have declined over the previous 20 years by the majority of respondents (96percent). The respondents indicated that their rangelands were mainly used for browsing (1.37), fire wood (2.01), building and fencing (2.63) and medical purposes (3.66). All the respondents indicated that their rangelands were highly degraded. Sheet erosion (50percent) was perceived to be the major type of soil erosion indicator mentioned by the farmers, followed by gully erosion (29percent) and rill erosion (21percent). The rangeland was dominated by Increaser II (pioneer) (63.2 percent) grass species followed by Decreaser (mesophytes) species (26.3percent). Digitaria eriantha in the valley (53.5 percent) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than both in the top (10.5percent) and sloppy areas (33.5percent) at Njwaxa communal rangeland, the abundance of D. eriantha was significantly higher (p<0.05) than top and valley in Mbizana communal rangeland. The results showed that soil seed banks were dominated by perennials, followed by annuals and biennial species being least abundant. The dominant forb Jamebrittenia c.f. albanesis was significantly higher (p<0.05) in both slopes (6.65percent) and toplands (7.34percent) than in the valley (3.15). The second most dominant species Puesdognaphalium undulata was significantly higher (p<0.05) in topland areas (6percent) than in valley bottom (3.8percent) and sloppy areas (4.3percent). The results of soil nutrients revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of OC, Ca, and Mg between the communities and seasons. Phosphorus (P) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter (concentrations) in most of the sites, except the top sites of Mbizana where summer concentration of P was significantly higher than winter. Potassium (K) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer than in winter in most of the HVUs, except the topland areas of Njwaxa and Mbizana sloppy areas where there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of K. Soil pH did not display any significant differences (p>0.05) between communities and sites. The mean soil pH recorded in this study was 5.4 implying the soils of Njwaxa and Mbizana communities were acidic. It is evident that communal farmers are well aware of their rangeland condition, changes occurring in their rangelands, their causes and are capable of suggesting some solutions in controlling the declining condition of the rangelands. This study has shown the importance of engaging farmers’ inputs in range assessment since those are people bearing the consequences of rangeland degradation.
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Effects of Pteronia incana (Blue bush) invasion on grass biomass production, soil chemical characteristics and peoples' livelihoods in Ngqushwa communal rangelands, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ntutha, T
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Shrublands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4682 , vital:28493
- Description: The objective of the study was to assess the farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of P. incana invasion and impacts on rangeland, livestock production and livelihood in four communal grazing areas. Twenty households per village that own livestock were randomly selected to conduct an interview using an open and closed ended questionnaire. In each household, an old and knowledgeable respondent about P. incana invasion was used as a selection criterion. For scientific assessment of range condition, the experiment was conducted in a 270 m x 100 m trial plots that were established in 2014. The area was divided into 3 open and 3 fenced subplots each having an area of 45 m x 100 m established laid down a slope gradient. Each plot was divided into four equal subplots to apply the control treatments. Therefore, the trial layout was a stratified block experiment of four treatments replicated three times. The four control treatments applied to P. incana invasion were chopping and resting (CR), resting without chopping (RWOC), grazing and chopping (GC), grazing without chopping (GWOC). A step point method was applied in each transect to monitor species composition and P. incana cover. On the fenced plots two exclosures of 1mx1m size were randomly distributed to make sure that resting is maintained. Within exclosures 0.25 m2quadrates in each were put randomly to measure biomass. Density of P. incana was determined from 5 m x 5 m quadrates that were placed randomly within each sub-plot. The density and height of individual shrub plant was measured. All rooted live woody plants were recorded and counted in each quadrate. The results revealed that species composition was not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments applied. The herbage height and basal cover had greater values (P<0.05) under rested plus chopping (CR) treatment followed by grazed plus chopping (GC). Grass biomass production and essential nutrients showed a greater concentration (P<0.05) under CR treatment than any treatments applied. The results on perceptions revealed that goats had the highest mean household holding number than any other livestock species across the selected villages in all the villages. Respondents indicated that both goats and cattle had equal or more importance than sheep. Three out of four villages raised cattle primarily for income generation and secondarily for cultural purposes like slaughtering during weddings ceremonies, amazila and also during woman circumcisions (Ntonjane). Similarly, goats and sheep were primarily raised for cash income generation. The results revealed that livestock population decreased over ten to twenty years (one-two decades) and poor rangeland condition is assumed to be the cause of the situation as feed is the key factor for production. The area was dominated by the grasses rather than by browse woody species so the above results are possible as the P. incana is more competitive than grasses. It was concluded that P. incana is detrimental to both rangeland and animal production. Forage and animal performance as well as farmers’ economic status (livelihoods) were negatively affected by P. incana invasion and the scientific assessment reported it to be detrimental to agriculture. Thus chopping and resting (CR) treatment resulted in a greater improvement of the basal cover, biomass production, soil nutrients as well as grass height than the other treatments applied. Therefore it can be concluded that chopping and resting the veld invaded with P. incana can improve the range and consequently animal production.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntutha, T
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Shrublands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4682 , vital:28493
- Description: The objective of the study was to assess the farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of P. incana invasion and impacts on rangeland, livestock production and livelihood in four communal grazing areas. Twenty households per village that own livestock were randomly selected to conduct an interview using an open and closed ended questionnaire. In each household, an old and knowledgeable respondent about P. incana invasion was used as a selection criterion. For scientific assessment of range condition, the experiment was conducted in a 270 m x 100 m trial plots that were established in 2014. The area was divided into 3 open and 3 fenced subplots each having an area of 45 m x 100 m established laid down a slope gradient. Each plot was divided into four equal subplots to apply the control treatments. Therefore, the trial layout was a stratified block experiment of four treatments replicated three times. The four control treatments applied to P. incana invasion were chopping and resting (CR), resting without chopping (RWOC), grazing and chopping (GC), grazing without chopping (GWOC). A step point method was applied in each transect to monitor species composition and P. incana cover. On the fenced plots two exclosures of 1mx1m size were randomly distributed to make sure that resting is maintained. Within exclosures 0.25 m2quadrates in each were put randomly to measure biomass. Density of P. incana was determined from 5 m x 5 m quadrates that were placed randomly within each sub-plot. The density and height of individual shrub plant was measured. All rooted live woody plants were recorded and counted in each quadrate. The results revealed that species composition was not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments applied. The herbage height and basal cover had greater values (P<0.05) under rested plus chopping (CR) treatment followed by grazed plus chopping (GC). Grass biomass production and essential nutrients showed a greater concentration (P<0.05) under CR treatment than any treatments applied. The results on perceptions revealed that goats had the highest mean household holding number than any other livestock species across the selected villages in all the villages. Respondents indicated that both goats and cattle had equal or more importance than sheep. Three out of four villages raised cattle primarily for income generation and secondarily for cultural purposes like slaughtering during weddings ceremonies, amazila and also during woman circumcisions (Ntonjane). Similarly, goats and sheep were primarily raised for cash income generation. The results revealed that livestock population decreased over ten to twenty years (one-two decades) and poor rangeland condition is assumed to be the cause of the situation as feed is the key factor for production. The area was dominated by the grasses rather than by browse woody species so the above results are possible as the P. incana is more competitive than grasses. It was concluded that P. incana is detrimental to both rangeland and animal production. Forage and animal performance as well as farmers’ economic status (livelihoods) were negatively affected by P. incana invasion and the scientific assessment reported it to be detrimental to agriculture. Thus chopping and resting (CR) treatment resulted in a greater improvement of the basal cover, biomass production, soil nutrients as well as grass height than the other treatments applied. Therefore it can be concluded that chopping and resting the veld invaded with P. incana can improve the range and consequently animal production.
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Evaluating farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients in Sheshegu communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tokozwayo, Sive
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Brush -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2733 , vital:28066
- Description: Communal rangelands occupy 13 percent of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89 percent of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tokozwayo, Sive
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Brush -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2733 , vital:28066
- Description: Communal rangelands occupy 13 percent of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89 percent of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.
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Woody encroachment and plant-root soil interactions in a semi-arid savanna
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12139 , vital:39174
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceous species composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands, management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12139 , vital:39174
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceous species composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands, management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
Woody encroachment and plant-root soil interactions in a semi-arid savanna
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12053 , vital:39131
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceousspecies composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12053 , vital:39131
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceousspecies composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
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