The veld condition score: An evaluation in situations of known past management.

The method of assessing veld condition which has been developed in Natal by Foran has given a reasonable separation of the veld in ten experimental paddocks which varied widely in condition both from the broad ecological viewpoint and in relation to their agricultural value for grazing animals. There are still, however, aspects which give rise to concern and it would be advisable to develop the method further before its adaptation for general use.Keywords: grazing; method; natal; south africa; stocking rate; technique; veld; veld condition; veld condition scor

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

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 type