Development of veld management research in the Karoo region

Abstract

The development of veld research in the semi-arid Karoo areas since 1934 is outlined. It entailed key experiments on different types of veld, and the synthesis of grazing systems and their testing in experimental camps and co-operatively on a practical farming scale. The experiments were primarily conducted with Merino sheep but Angora goats, Boer goats, cattle and Persian sheep were also employed. A large number of rotational grazing systems, special treatments and methods have been set out for the entire Karoo Region. The group camp approach serves as a basis for complete veld management planning in the Karoo Region.
Supporting research covered plant physiological, phonological and ecological studies; the determination of selective grazing habits of livestock; production of karoo bushes; and the development of research techniques especially in connection with quantitative and qualitative vegetation surveys.

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African Journal of Range and Forage Science Vol. 18 (1)1983: pp.30_34