Grazing of Cymbopogon-Themeda veld in the dormant period

Abstract

The influence on summer-rested veld of grazing during autumn, winter and early summer was studied in Cymbopogon-Themeda veld at Potchefstroom. Continuous grazing throughout the winter period, and even during early summer, severely damaged species such as Themeda triandra, Eragrostis curvula and Digitaria eriantha although it did not affect total herbage yields. Early summer grazing stimulated undesirable species such as Elyonorus argenteus. A sound system of rotational grazing could, however, avoid damage of desirable grass species, while keeping unwanted species in check.

Keywords: grazing|veld|dormant periods|summer rested veld|autumn|winter|seasons|early summer|Potchefstroom|continuous grazing systems|herbage yields|rotational grazing systems|grass species|grasses|species lists