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
