A study of variations in floristic composition of highveld in the Eastern Transvaal.

Abstract

Reports the results of a study conducted to assess the nature of variations infloristic and palatability composition of Highveld in the Eastern Transvaal; Floristic surveys of two 1500m line transects in veld provided data which indicated the nature of variations in veld composition, expressed in terms of species, palatability classes. The transects were subjectively subdivided into units comprising relatively homogeneous communities and the validity of the subdivision was assessed by means of certain formal methods of classification and ordination. Preliminary tests of the effect of sampling intensity on estimates of floristic composition within units were made. The results are discussed in relation to the classification of veld as a grazing resource on a farm scale.

Keywords: athole research station; classification; Eastern Transvaal; ermelo district; floristic composition; floristic survey; Floristic surveys; grazing; Highveld; line transects; method; ordination; palatability classes; sampling; sampling intensity; south africa; Species; Variations; veld; Veld composition; weighted palatability classes

Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa.