Veld types, problems and pasture research in the Orange Free State

Abstract

The Orange Free State Region is a very important stock-farming area in the Republic of South Africa. Nine main veld types are distinguished this Region and each is briefly described. Over and selective grazing, bush and poisonous plant encroachment and soil erosion are the most serious problems endangering the veld and agricultural potential of this Region. Pasture research is being conducted on and controlled from two centres, namely, the Agricultural Research Institute at Glen and the Armoedsvlakte Research Station, Vryburg. Research work on Glen consists mainly of veld management, veld defoliation and veld fertilising trials as well as Geigeria, autecological and physiological research. The veld management and ecological aspects of the Geigeria problem are being investigated co-operatively on farms in Griqualand West. Bush encroachment is the most serious pastoral problem of the Molopo area, consequently research work at Armoedsvlakte is concentrated on veld management, veld reclamation and the control and eradication of encroaching bush.

Keywords: veld|veld condition|veld management|defoliations|fertilisation|ecology|Griqualand West|reclamations|soil erosion|veld types|bush encroachments|problems|encroaching species|poisonous plants|bushes|selective grazing|livestock|stock farming|Orange Free State (map)|plant encroachments|pastures