Primary production of rangeland: practical and interpretive problems

Abstract

Primary production of rangeveld has not been studied in southern Africa to the extent that it has been in other biogeographical regions. Ambiguity in terminology and in conceptualisation of the process created difficulties in interpreting and/or comparing production data within the region. Certain difficulties inherent in estimating primary production of perennial natural rangeland are discussed. Harvest data are utilized to illustrate how methodology employed is critical to the estimate of primary production obtained. A relationship is presented which accounts for the major losses pertinent to most methods of estimating rangeland production.

Keywords: primary production|rangelands|problems|Southern Africa|biogeographical regions|terminologies|conceptualisations|production|comparisons|interpretations|perennial rangelands|harvest models|methodologies