The evaluation of various reseeding methods for restoring old croplands in the Highveld region of South Africa

In spite of the relative simple vegetation structure, the Grassland biome has surprisingly high species diversity. The Grassland biome is also the most transformed biome in South Africa, with cultivation having the largest impact. When croplands are abandoned, secondary succession leads to low diversity Hyparrhenia hirta dominated grassland. A combination of two seed mixtures, two seeding densities and two establishment methods was established in plots on a recently abandoned cropland at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve to evaluate their effect on secondary succession. The rip plots, where more resources were available between the rip lines, have shown higher densities of relic weeds as well as local perennials, showing some progressive successional movement. However, Hyparrhenia hirta was one of the non-sown perennials increasing in the rip plots. Hyparrhenia invasion and relic weeds were best controlled in the plough plots. Although Hyparrhenia was successfully controlled in plough plots, no secondary succession occurred in these treatments.Agriculture, Animal Health and Human EcologyM. Tech. (Nature Conservation

Book Review: Identification Guide to Southern African Grasses: an Identification Manual with Keys, Descriptions and Distributions

Book Title: Identification Guide to Southern African Grasses: an Identification Manual with Keys, Descriptions and DistributionsBook Authors: L Fish, A.C. Machau, M.J. Moeaha & M.T. Nembudani2015, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X101, Silverton 0184, South Africa798 pages, hardcoverISBN 978-1-928224-00-6. Price R500.0

Book ReviewGrasses and Grassland EcologyBy David J Gibson (2008)

2008, Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, UK305 pages, hardcover and softcoverISBN 978-0-19-852918-7 (hardcover), 978-0-19-852919-4 (softcover). Price £70 / £34.95African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2010, 27(1): 63–6