Effects of herbicide application and phosphorous fertilization on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands planted with pasture legumes
- Authors: Mashece , Wandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forage plants Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11950 , vital:39121
- Description: The study was conducted in two communal abandoned grazing lands, namely; Sinqumeni and Kubedlana (referred hereafter as sites) located in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) where legume pastures have been successfully established for the last ten years. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of five different herbicide treatments and four different phosphorus fertilizer application rates on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands. At each site, an area previously planted with legume species and well established with an even stand of legumes were selected. For both experimental sites, experimental design consisted of plot size of 50 m × 50 m for herbicide plot and 25 m ×25 m for phosphorus plot with 5 m×10 m of sub-plot planted with an even stand of pasture legumes arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in two blocks. The legumes that were planted in these sites were: Lotus corniculatus, White clover, Arrow leaf clover, Yellow serradella, Pitman serradella, Biserrula and Lespedeza cuneata. Prior to planting, the legume seeds were mixed with the appropriate inoculant by hand. Planting was done by over sowing legumes into the natural pastures (grasses) using an Aitchison Mini seeder. In each small plot, data was collected on forage biomass and plant density (species count). Data was analysed using the SAS programme and the significance of differences between means were tested with Fisher’s test for the LSD. On herbicide study, results showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage dry matter (DM) among the herbicide treatments in both years at Kubedlana. Results further showed that all five herbicides did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase the DM yield over control treatment. At Sinqumeni, results displayed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage DM among treatments during year 1, whereas in year 2, but all herbicide treatments except Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) yielded greater (p < 0.05) DM yield than the control treatment. Comparing years, forage DM yield only under Bendioxide (BEN) and Paraquat (PAR) treatments had greater DM yield in year 2 than years 1. In Kubedlana, Bendioxide (BEN) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments showed an IV increase in total density (TD), whereas Glyphosate (GLY) produced the lowest total density (TD) and Paraquat (PAR) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) resulted in an increased in density of total legumes (TL) relative to control treatment. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in the densities of total plants and forbs from year 1 to year 2. In Sinqumeni, herbicide applications resulted in higher density of total legumes than the control treatment, but results varied among herbicide treatments, greatest density being obtained at Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments. On phosphorus study, result showed a significant (p < 0.05) differences in dry matter (DM) yield among Phosphorus (P) treatments during year 2 of the study at Kubedlana site. All P treatments showed significantly greater dry matter (DM) yield in forage harvested in year 2 compared to year 1. At Sinqumeni, results showed Phosphorus (P) application did not have significance (p > 0.05) effect on forage dry matter (DM) yield on both years. In Kubedlana, there were indications of increased densities of total grasses, legumes and total plants in response to some levels of phosphorus (P) treatments. Treatment Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) yielded the highest total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) numbers and P10 had the lowest total density (TD). Both treatment and year interacted significantly (p < 0.05) to influence the mean density of some plant variables. At Sinqumeni, there were no significant differences due to phosphorus (P) treatments in the densities of total plants, grasses and forbs. Both years interacted significantly (p < 0.05) with treatments to influence the plant density mean, with Lespedeza cuneate (LESP) producing the highest plant density during year 1 and year 2, whereas BSERRL produced the lowest plant density during year 1 and year 2 periods. Therefore, findings of this study suggest that application of both Bendioxide (BEN) & Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) treatments result in a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield, whereas Glyphosate (GLY) herbicide resulted in a decrease in both total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) herbicide application resulted in an increase of total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) V relative to control plot. On phosphorus study, results suggest that at Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) fertilization dry matter (DM) yield will be increased and at both Phosphorus at 20 kg ha1 (P20) and Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) high total density (TD) will be recorded where’s Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) fertilization result in high total legumes (TL).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mashece , Wandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forage plants Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11950 , vital:39121
- Description: The study was conducted in two communal abandoned grazing lands, namely; Sinqumeni and Kubedlana (referred hereafter as sites) located in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) where legume pastures have been successfully established for the last ten years. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of five different herbicide treatments and four different phosphorus fertilizer application rates on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands. At each site, an area previously planted with legume species and well established with an even stand of legumes were selected. For both experimental sites, experimental design consisted of plot size of 50 m × 50 m for herbicide plot and 25 m ×25 m for phosphorus plot with 5 m×10 m of sub-plot planted with an even stand of pasture legumes arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in two blocks. The legumes that were planted in these sites were: Lotus corniculatus, White clover, Arrow leaf clover, Yellow serradella, Pitman serradella, Biserrula and Lespedeza cuneata. Prior to planting, the legume seeds were mixed with the appropriate inoculant by hand. Planting was done by over sowing legumes into the natural pastures (grasses) using an Aitchison Mini seeder. In each small plot, data was collected on forage biomass and plant density (species count). Data was analysed using the SAS programme and the significance of differences between means were tested with Fisher’s test for the LSD. On herbicide study, results showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage dry matter (DM) among the herbicide treatments in both years at Kubedlana. Results further showed that all five herbicides did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase the DM yield over control treatment. At Sinqumeni, results displayed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage DM among treatments during year 1, whereas in year 2, but all herbicide treatments except Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) yielded greater (p < 0.05) DM yield than the control treatment. Comparing years, forage DM yield only under Bendioxide (BEN) and Paraquat (PAR) treatments had greater DM yield in year 2 than years 1. In Kubedlana, Bendioxide (BEN) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments showed an IV increase in total density (TD), whereas Glyphosate (GLY) produced the lowest total density (TD) and Paraquat (PAR) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) resulted in an increased in density of total legumes (TL) relative to control treatment. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in the densities of total plants and forbs from year 1 to year 2. In Sinqumeni, herbicide applications resulted in higher density of total legumes than the control treatment, but results varied among herbicide treatments, greatest density being obtained at Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments. On phosphorus study, result showed a significant (p < 0.05) differences in dry matter (DM) yield among Phosphorus (P) treatments during year 2 of the study at Kubedlana site. All P treatments showed significantly greater dry matter (DM) yield in forage harvested in year 2 compared to year 1. At Sinqumeni, results showed Phosphorus (P) application did not have significance (p > 0.05) effect on forage dry matter (DM) yield on both years. In Kubedlana, there were indications of increased densities of total grasses, legumes and total plants in response to some levels of phosphorus (P) treatments. Treatment Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) yielded the highest total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) numbers and P10 had the lowest total density (TD). Both treatment and year interacted significantly (p < 0.05) to influence the mean density of some plant variables. At Sinqumeni, there were no significant differences due to phosphorus (P) treatments in the densities of total plants, grasses and forbs. Both years interacted significantly (p < 0.05) with treatments to influence the plant density mean, with Lespedeza cuneate (LESP) producing the highest plant density during year 1 and year 2, whereas BSERRL produced the lowest plant density during year 1 and year 2 periods. Therefore, findings of this study suggest that application of both Bendioxide (BEN) & Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) treatments result in a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield, whereas Glyphosate (GLY) herbicide resulted in a decrease in both total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) herbicide application resulted in an increase of total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) V relative to control plot. On phosphorus study, results suggest that at Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) fertilization dry matter (DM) yield will be increased and at both Phosphorus at 20 kg ha1 (P20) and Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) high total density (TD) will be recorded where’s Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) fertilization result in high total legumes (TL).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
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:
- Date Issued: 2016
- 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:
- Date Issued: 2016
Euryops floribundus encroachment in Eastern Cape communal rangelands: indigenous and scientific understanding of effects on range
- Authors: Gxasheka, Masibonge
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Euryops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa - Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016203 , Euryops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa - Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study was conducted in Eastern Cape Province to 1) investigate local people’s knowledge and perceptions on Euryops floribundus and 2) landscape distribution and effect of Euryops floribundus on herbaceous vegetation and soil. A total of 90 households who own livestock were randomly selected from the three communal areas, namely; Tsengiwe, Upper Mnxe and Manzimdaka for household surveys and group discussions. For landscape study, a total of about 5 ha of land were selected at Upper Mnxe communal area. Selection criteria included the presence of E. floribundus and different landscape gradients. A total of four 50mx50 plots were marked along the landscape gradients: Bottom, Middle, and Upper Slope and upland positions. To study the effect of E. floribundus invasion on the herbaceous vegetation and soil, a total of 4 ha communal land was selected in an accessible area which had a largely flat terrain. The area was selected to have adjacent sites with no invasion (< 5% shrub cover), light (5-15% shrub cover), moderate (>15-35) and heavy invasions (>35% shrub cover) of E. floribundus. The average household size in the study area was 6.8± 0.7. All people in the three communal areas unanimously ranked sheep as the most important species for their livelihood, but the ranking of cattle and goat varied among the communal areas. All elder groups agreed that Europs floribundus decreases both the quantity and quality of herbaceous forage as well as livestock production. Moreover, invaded patches create more bare areas which are responsible for the loss of top fertile soils and the formation of rills and gullies. The result showed that the total density of E. floribundus significantly increased from the topland (2301 plants ha-1) moving to the bottomland (4888 plants ha-1). Canopy cover was significantly lowest in the topland (17.9%), but the remaining gradients had similar cover. Grass dry matter yield was higher in the bottomlands and sloppy gradients than the toplands. Soil organic carbon was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the flat than the sloppy terrain. Soils from higher elevations (toplands and upper sloppy) had significantly higher N than the lower elevations (bottomlands and Middle sloppy). The lowest dry matter was observed at low invasion and non-invaded sites. Soil chemical properties were generally different from all density levels. In conclusion, E. floribundus encroachment was found to be major cause of decline in the peoples’ livelihood because as this reduces the vegetation diversity and livestock production, both of which are the major of their livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gxasheka, Masibonge
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Euryops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa - Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016203 , Euryops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa - Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study was conducted in Eastern Cape Province to 1) investigate local people’s knowledge and perceptions on Euryops floribundus and 2) landscape distribution and effect of Euryops floribundus on herbaceous vegetation and soil. A total of 90 households who own livestock were randomly selected from the three communal areas, namely; Tsengiwe, Upper Mnxe and Manzimdaka for household surveys and group discussions. For landscape study, a total of about 5 ha of land were selected at Upper Mnxe communal area. Selection criteria included the presence of E. floribundus and different landscape gradients. A total of four 50mx50 plots were marked along the landscape gradients: Bottom, Middle, and Upper Slope and upland positions. To study the effect of E. floribundus invasion on the herbaceous vegetation and soil, a total of 4 ha communal land was selected in an accessible area which had a largely flat terrain. The area was selected to have adjacent sites with no invasion (< 5% shrub cover), light (5-15% shrub cover), moderate (>15-35) and heavy invasions (>35% shrub cover) of E. floribundus. The average household size in the study area was 6.8± 0.7. All people in the three communal areas unanimously ranked sheep as the most important species for their livelihood, but the ranking of cattle and goat varied among the communal areas. All elder groups agreed that Europs floribundus decreases both the quantity and quality of herbaceous forage as well as livestock production. Moreover, invaded patches create more bare areas which are responsible for the loss of top fertile soils and the formation of rills and gullies. The result showed that the total density of E. floribundus significantly increased from the topland (2301 plants ha-1) moving to the bottomland (4888 plants ha-1). Canopy cover was significantly lowest in the topland (17.9%), but the remaining gradients had similar cover. Grass dry matter yield was higher in the bottomlands and sloppy gradients than the toplands. Soil organic carbon was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the flat than the sloppy terrain. Soils from higher elevations (toplands and upper sloppy) had significantly higher N than the lower elevations (bottomlands and Middle sloppy). The lowest dry matter was observed at low invasion and non-invaded sites. Soil chemical properties were generally different from all density levels. In conclusion, E. floribundus encroachment was found to be major cause of decline in the peoples’ livelihood because as this reduces the vegetation diversity and livestock production, both of which are the major of their livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Vegetation and soil characteristics around water points under three land management systems in semi-arid rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Simanga, Siyabulela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015795 , Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the vegetation and soil characteristics in relation to distance from water points under different land management systems in semi-arid rangelands of South Africa. Six study sites, two each from communal grazing, commercial farming and game reserves were selected. Two watering points were selected in each study site. Two 500 m transects were laid from the selected watering points. Each transect was divided into sub-transects at 25 m, 50m, 100m, 200m, 300m and 500m from water points. A 100 m2 plot was marked in each sub-transect to record grass biomas, species composition, structure and distribution of woody vegetation and physical and chemical soil properties. Data were collected for two seasons 2012/13 (winter and summer). Thirty and 41 grass and woody species respectively were identified in all study areas. The most common and dominating grass species include Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis obtusa, Setaria sphacelata and Sporobolus fimbriatus. Cynodon dactylon and S. sphacelata occurred more abundantly (p < 0.05) in the game reserves than in the other land management catergories. All the grass species had similar (p > 0.05) abundance along distance gradient from water points. Grass dry matter (GDM) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between and within land management systems. However, GDM was not significantly affected by season, location of water point within each farm or reserve and distance along water points. Acacia karoo, Coddia rudis and Ehretia rigida were the most dominant woody species. Tree equivalent (TE) density of all encroaching woody plants combined was significantly (p < 0.05) higher on the communal area (1732 TE ha-1) than the commercial ranches (1136 TE ha-1) and game reserves (857 TE ha-1), but with no marked variations along distance from water points under all the land management systems. The electric conductivity (EC) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in game reserves than in communal grazing areas and ranches. Soil organic matter percentage showed greatest and lowest values in the game reserves and commercial respectively. Soil pH and bulk density did not vary but soil organic matter (SOM), EC, bulk density and soil compaction were significant different with no increasing or decreasing trends. Soil properties were affected by herbivore pressure and trampling around water points with inconsistence magnitude and direction. In conclusion, grass species composition and GDM did not respond to distance from water points because either grazing gradient was absent or the length of transects was not enough to explain the absence or presence of gradients. High proportion of A. karoo and high densities of seedlings and saplings would seem as very good indicators of the woody vegetation changes in the different land management systems and distance from water points. The soil quality indicators around the water-points showed that livestock and game affected soil parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Simanga, Siyabulela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015795 , Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the vegetation and soil characteristics in relation to distance from water points under different land management systems in semi-arid rangelands of South Africa. Six study sites, two each from communal grazing, commercial farming and game reserves were selected. Two watering points were selected in each study site. Two 500 m transects were laid from the selected watering points. Each transect was divided into sub-transects at 25 m, 50m, 100m, 200m, 300m and 500m from water points. A 100 m2 plot was marked in each sub-transect to record grass biomas, species composition, structure and distribution of woody vegetation and physical and chemical soil properties. Data were collected for two seasons 2012/13 (winter and summer). Thirty and 41 grass and woody species respectively were identified in all study areas. The most common and dominating grass species include Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis obtusa, Setaria sphacelata and Sporobolus fimbriatus. Cynodon dactylon and S. sphacelata occurred more abundantly (p < 0.05) in the game reserves than in the other land management catergories. All the grass species had similar (p > 0.05) abundance along distance gradient from water points. Grass dry matter (GDM) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between and within land management systems. However, GDM was not significantly affected by season, location of water point within each farm or reserve and distance along water points. Acacia karoo, Coddia rudis and Ehretia rigida were the most dominant woody species. Tree equivalent (TE) density of all encroaching woody plants combined was significantly (p < 0.05) higher on the communal area (1732 TE ha-1) than the commercial ranches (1136 TE ha-1) and game reserves (857 TE ha-1), but with no marked variations along distance from water points under all the land management systems. The electric conductivity (EC) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in game reserves than in communal grazing areas and ranches. Soil organic matter percentage showed greatest and lowest values in the game reserves and commercial respectively. Soil pH and bulk density did not vary but soil organic matter (SOM), EC, bulk density and soil compaction were significant different with no increasing or decreasing trends. Soil properties were affected by herbivore pressure and trampling around water points with inconsistence magnitude and direction. In conclusion, grass species composition and GDM did not respond to distance from water points because either grazing gradient was absent or the length of transects was not enough to explain the absence or presence of gradients. High proportion of A. karoo and high densities of seedlings and saplings would seem as very good indicators of the woody vegetation changes in the different land management systems and distance from water points. The soil quality indicators around the water-points showed that livestock and game affected soil parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Farmers` perceptions of livestock feeding and rangeland management: dynamics of soil, forage and cattle blood serum mineral levels in two communal areas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Gwelo, Farai Alice
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal feeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11581 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006785 , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal feeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study was conducted to determine livestock production, rangeland management and the mineral levels of soils, grass and cattle blood serum in two communal areas (Kwezana and Dikidikana). A total of 77 farmers from both Kwezana and Dikidikana were interviewed to determine farmers’ perceptions. Soil and grass sampling was done at three sites in each communal area. Soil and grass samples were analysed for N, Ca, Mg, K, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Bo. Three, two and half year old Nguni heifers were randomly selected from each communal area and blood samples were collected for the analysis of Ca, Mg, K, Cu and Fe. Soil, grass and blood samples were all collected in two seasons (winter and summer). The results of the study revealed that feed availability was the major constraint in livestock production as indicated by 83 percent of thefarmers at Kwezana and 88 percent at Dikidikana. At both villages less than 20 percent practiced supplementation and grazing management. From both villages, 83 percent of the farmers did not know the forage species preferred by their cattle. The second study revealed significant seasonal variations in soil N in both study areas while forage N exhibited seasonal variations (P<0.05) only at Dikidikana. Spatial variation (P<0.05) in soil Mn was apparent in both seasons at Dikidikana and in summer at Kwezana. At Dikidikana forage P varied (P<0.05) both seasonally and spatially. In both study areas, there was a positive correlation (P<0.05) between soil and forage levels of Cu and Zn. The blood serum of animals from both study areas had higher (P<0.05) K and Na in winter than in summer. Farmers do not understand the composition of their rangelands but are concerned about cattle nutrition during winter. Indeed the mineral status of soils, forages and Nguni cattle blood serum tend to vary not only seasonally but also spatially. There is need therefore to assist the farmers to understand these changes in order to find ways of managing the rangelands in a way that will manipulate both seasonal and spatial variations in soil nutrients for the benefit of the grazing livestock. Further research is required to determine the digestibility of the forages and the amount of energy available from these forages for the grazing livestock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gwelo, Farai Alice
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal feeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11581 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006785 , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal feeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study was conducted to determine livestock production, rangeland management and the mineral levels of soils, grass and cattle blood serum in two communal areas (Kwezana and Dikidikana). A total of 77 farmers from both Kwezana and Dikidikana were interviewed to determine farmers’ perceptions. Soil and grass sampling was done at three sites in each communal area. Soil and grass samples were analysed for N, Ca, Mg, K, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Bo. Three, two and half year old Nguni heifers were randomly selected from each communal area and blood samples were collected for the analysis of Ca, Mg, K, Cu and Fe. Soil, grass and blood samples were all collected in two seasons (winter and summer). The results of the study revealed that feed availability was the major constraint in livestock production as indicated by 83 percent of thefarmers at Kwezana and 88 percent at Dikidikana. At both villages less than 20 percent practiced supplementation and grazing management. From both villages, 83 percent of the farmers did not know the forage species preferred by their cattle. The second study revealed significant seasonal variations in soil N in both study areas while forage N exhibited seasonal variations (P<0.05) only at Dikidikana. Spatial variation (P<0.05) in soil Mn was apparent in both seasons at Dikidikana and in summer at Kwezana. At Dikidikana forage P varied (P<0.05) both seasonally and spatially. In both study areas, there was a positive correlation (P<0.05) between soil and forage levels of Cu and Zn. The blood serum of animals from both study areas had higher (P<0.05) K and Na in winter than in summer. Farmers do not understand the composition of their rangelands but are concerned about cattle nutrition during winter. Indeed the mineral status of soils, forages and Nguni cattle blood serum tend to vary not only seasonally but also spatially. There is need therefore to assist the farmers to understand these changes in order to find ways of managing the rangelands in a way that will manipulate both seasonal and spatial variations in soil nutrients for the benefit of the grazing livestock. Further research is required to determine the digestibility of the forages and the amount of energy available from these forages for the grazing livestock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
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