2. Veld reinforcement for increased meat production

Abstract

A programme of radical veld improvement applied on a farm in a cool, high rainfall area of East Griqualand is described. The veld was burnt in spring and fertilized with 300 kg/ha superphosphate and 45 to 60 kg/ha nitrogen. It was then heavily grazed with cattle and sheep during summer, using an eight-camp rotational system, and in February it was oversown with cocksfoot and given a further 45 kg/nitrogen/ha. Grazing with cattle only, continued into autumn. In the second year clover was sod-seeded into part of the area.

Keywords: veld condition|meat production|veld|farms|East Griqualand|controlled burnings|veld management|fertilisation|fertilisers|nitrogen|grazing|cattle grazing|sheep grazing|rotational grazing systems|summer grazed|grasses|clovers|plants|grazing