Implications of subhabitat diversity and the role of management on the occurence of a number of grass species of the Sourish Bushveld.

Abstract

The subhabitat preferences of seven grass species and forbs, typical of the Sourish Mixed Bushveld, were investigated in eight camps which had received different long-term grazing treatments. Two subhabitats were identified, viz. Under trees and between trees. Differences in the subhabitat preferences were found and described. The influence of the long-term grazing treatments on the occurrence and subhabitat preferences of the grass species and forbs concerned, were identified and discussed. Panicum maximum proved to be the most important grass species which should receive more attention due to its preference for the canopied subhabitat, its high production potential and its sensitiveness to grazing management. The application of bush control without the necessary information for the specific veld type is questioned on the basis of these findings.

Keywords: afrikaans; bush control; forbs; grasses; grazing; grazing management; grazing treatments; panicum maximum; production; production potential; sourish mixed bushveld; south africa; subhabitats; towoomba research station; veld