Identification and selection of benchmark sites on litholitic soils of the western grassland biome of South Africa.

Abstract

An approach to identify benchmarks for different ecological situations in the grassland biome is described. The approach is illustrated by using information on vegetation change, role of habitat factors and the relative palatability differences between the species of the vegetation on shallow soils of the litholitic complexes in the western parts of the grassland biome. The information was obtained from the ordination and interpretation of vegetation and habitat data gathered at different distances from watering points and in vegetation under different grazing pressures.Language: English

Keywords: benchmarks; Ecological situations; grassland; grassland biome; grazing; grazing pressure; habitat; habitat factors; ordination; palatability; soils; south africa; succession; vegetation; vegetation change; veld condition; Veld conditions; watering points; Western Grassland Biome