Veld management recommendations – a reassessment of key species and proper use factors

Abstract

One of the main reasons for the poor acceptance of traditional veld management systems by South African farmers is the inflexibility of these systems. Present recommendations indicate that both research and extension personnel appreciate the advantages of the recently-developed multicamp approach. Within this framework special attention should now be paid to policy relating to selective grazing, key species and proper use factors. Local studies on nutritive value and the relationship between height and defoliation and percentage utilization, emphasize the importance of the choice of key species. A generalized use factor of 50% removal in growing season is proposed as an interim guide for grassveld management. The need for simplification of recommendations is emphasized.

Keywords: veld management|multicamp approaches|selective grazing|grazing|key species|proper use factors|nutritive values|defoliations|utilisations|growing seasons|grassland environments|recommendations