The development of a method for assessing veld condition in three grassveld types in Natal.

Abstract

A method for assessing the condition of veld has been developed in the Dry Tall Grassveld, Moist Tall Grassveld and Highland Sourveld of Natal. The method is based on Dyksterhuis' Quantitative Climax Method which has been modified to suit the sub-climax nature of this veld by the incorporation of three categories of plants: Decreaser species which decline in abundance with bad management; Increaser I species which increase with underutilization; and Increaser II species which increase with over-utilization. In addition, this modified method allows for a deduction of marks for veld whose basal cover falls below that of veld in its optimum condition. In all three types there was a close relationship between the abundance of Themeda triandra and the veld condition. It is probable therefore, that this single measure can be used to forecast veld condition in these veld types.

Keywords: abundance; basal cover; botany; condition; decline; decreaser species; dry tall grassveld; grassveld; highland sourveld; increaser i species; increaser ii species; management; method; moist tall grassveld; natal; over-utilization; sourveld; south africa; themeda; themeda triandra; underutilization; veld condition; veld types