A comparison of eight different oversowing techniques for improving natural veld

Abstract

A statistically-planned veld reclamation experiment is being carried out in an area of the Sweet Bushveld of Transvaal which, in normal years, receives an average annual rainfall of 475 mm (19 inches) but which has been denuded by a recent, severe drought. One aspect being investigated is the influence of various soil treatments on the establishment and productivity of the sown grass. At the end of the first season 10 per cent of the treatment strips were sampled to determine herbage, yield and botanical composition. The different treatments were found to have had varying effects on the establishment, productivity and botanical composition of the respective grass swards. Treatments which included oversowing and either soil disturbance or the provision of a cover of cut tree branches were the most efficacious.

Keywords: soils|treatments|productivity|grasses|herbage|droughts|botanical compositions|bushveld|yields|technique comparisons|comparisons|Gauteng Province|techniques|Transvaal|veld improvements|natural vegetation|reclamations|sweetveld|oversowing techniques