Veld Condition Assessment and Management. Bezuidenhoudshoek Nature Reserve. October 2013

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2 Veld Condition Assessment and Management Bezuidenhoudshoek Nature Reserve October 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Location Bezuidenhoudshoek Game Reserve is located 3.5 km directly west of the town Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The location has been described in the Vegetation and Wildlife Management Plan for the farm Bezuidenhoudshoek by Brown et al, 2005 and has since been updated by Prof Leslie Brown (September ). A Google Earth image showing the position of Middelburg Town (south-east or in the right hand corner of the map at the bottom) relative to the survey sites is included below. 1

3 1.2 Climate Mean average precipitation within the Rand Highveld Grassland ranges between 570 mm and 730 mm. The average rainfall for Middelburg, Mpumalanga, is 572 mm per year ( The rain falls mainly in summer. Most of the rainfall falls in summer, in the form of thunder showers. See the monthly average rainfall illustrated in the graph below. The area experiences frosty winters (10-35 days a year, Mucina and Rutherford, 2004). The average temperature for Middelburg, Mpumalanga, varies between 3.2 O C in winter to 25.3 O C in summer ( See the monthly average minimum and maximum temperatures illustrated in the graph below. The climate of the farm Bezuidenhoutshoek have been described in more detail in the Vegetation and Wildlife Management Plan Brown et al, 2005 and has since been updated by Prof Leslie Brown (September ). 2

4 1.3 Geology and Soils The Waterberg Group covers part of the Transvaal Sequence in the Mpumalanga, Witbank and Kwamhlanga Districts and also the Bezuidenhoudshoek Game Reserve (Mucina and Rutherford, 2004). Lithology consists of coarse sandstone. Soils are generally sandy, described in more detail in the previous veld condition assessment and management report (De Wet & Van den Berg, 2010). Generally the soil depth varies between shallow rocky soils (Glenrosa and Mispah forms) to deep sandy soils (Clovelly and Pinedene forms). Dolerite intrusions are rare and limited to a few small areas, where soil colour is red and not yellowish, which is the typical colour of most of the soils overlying sandstone areas. (Hutton soils are most represented within the red doleritic sandy clay loam soils). The geology of the farm Bezuidenhoudshoek has been described in the Vegetation and Wildlife Management Plan by Brown et al, 2005 and has since been updated by Prof Leslie Brown (September ). 1.4 Vegetation The study area falls within the Rand Highveld Grassland, Veld Type Gm 11 of Mucina and Rutherford This veld type has endangered status and is poorly conserved (1%, according to Mucina and Rutherford, 2004). Vegetation within this veld type is described as species-rich, wiry, sour grassland alternating with low, sour shrubland on rocky outcrops and steeper slopes. Grasses most represented within this veld type (not necessary applicable to this farm, but it includes a wider area) are listed as: Themeda triandra Eragrostis species Heteropogon contortus and Elionurus muticus. High diversity of herbs (forbs) many of which belong to the Asteraceae is also a typical feature. Rocky hills and ridges carry sparse woodlands with Protea caffra subsp. caffra, P. welwitchii, Acacia caffra and Celtis africana, accompanied with a rich suite of shrubs among which the genus Rhus (especially Rhus magalismontanum) is most prominent. Endemic taxa are, amongst others, Encephalartos lanatus and E. middelburgensis. The vegetation has been described in the Vegetation and Wildlife Management Plan for the Farm Bezuidenhoudhoek by Brown et al, 2005 and has since been updated by Prof Leslie Brown (September ). The vegetation is described by Acocks (1988) as Bankenveld (Veld Type 61) which forms the majority of the game farm, the grassland areas, but a second veld type, Sourish Mixed Bushveld (Veld Type 19) is also included north, where the vegetation is not pure grassland, but bushveld elements of woodiness, sparse to dense tree and shrub vegetation structure. 3

5 1.5 Veld Condition Assessment Grassland condition, or the veld condition, as it is described within South African grasslands and savanna areas, has been defined as the state of health of the veld in terms of its ecological status, resistance to soil erosion and its potential for producing forage for sustained optimum livestock production (Trollope et al., in Tainton, 1999). Grasslands are dynamic and the veld condition can be expected to change over time, trends over a few years can be expected but short term changes as result of an above average rainfall or drought in the past year can also be reflected. The changes can therefore be expected in species composition, abundance and cover, as result of the influence of climate, grazing and fire. An assessment of the condition of the grass communities constitutes a convenient means of comparing them, as well as of providing a way to quantify and observe spatial and temporal changes within a particular community or vegetation type (Tainton, 1999). Veld condition trends can thus be followed within pre-defined domains. Whilst the focus is kept on veld condition, change in numbers of game or fire frequency could be reflected on a veld condition model, specific for the soils or part of a particular management unit. 1.6 Specific Management Objectives The information available on vegetation and soils should be integrated with the management objectives for game. It should be a priority to book a specific date for the management team to meet to discuss this and formulate management guidelines for specific game, based on vegetation (including veld condition). 1.7 General Management Strategies The frequency of burning should depend, amongst other factors, on the Grazing phytomass, or grass fuel load (Reflected by rainfall, or consequent production of grass in that period) 4 tons/ha is set as a minimum phytomass required. (Grass curing must also be taken into account); Figure 1: Photo of disc meter 4

6 A disc pasture meter is used to determine grazing phytomass, which is a factor of both grass produced within the management unit (as result of rainfall) and the grazing pressure within the period (or the available fuel load after grazing). An average compressed height of 10cm is equivalent to the threshold of 4000kg/ha. Higher levels can be to the detriment of the grass layer and the grass composition - where grass is so dense that sunlight is prevented to fall directly on the soil surface, where dead plant material can accumulate to a level where it prevent the germination of grass seed and a loss in basal cover can lead to the increase in erosion potential. Veld condition grass composition, abundance of productive and palatable grasses Decreasers should therefore dominate. Themeda triandra and Digitaria brazzae are possibly the two most important Decreaser species within Bezuidenhoudshoek. Themeda triandra is the most important Decreaser on clayey soils. Red Grass Themeda triandra 5

7 Digitaria brazzae is more associated with sandy soils, but is never abundant. Woolly Finger Grass Digitaria brazzae More research is needed to confirm how important D. brazzae is (if it could qualify as a key grass species). This grass species has recently (last year, in 2012) become more conspicuous than what was understood to be in the study. It is however envisaged to be a very important forage species, for it appears to be more frequently utilized than Red Grass. The ecological status of the veld (as result of past disturbance or management) should therefore be considered before deciding on whether the grassland or savanna qualifies to burn or not, or whether it should be protected against fire - until sufficient improvement in the grass layer is observed. Decreased fire frequency The management strategy could be to burn less frequently in areas where trends in degradation or overgrazing are observed, even if the grass fuel load exceeds the 4 ton/ha threshold. Overgrazed veld may require resting of fire for as long as 3 to 5 years (thus the grass phytomass may then exceed very high levels) or more, depending on the rate of recovery of the veld. Increased fire frequency On the other hand, the management strategy could be to burn areas more frequently that show trends towards the climax side of the degradation axis (applicable to this veld type or other areas at the Highveld or Montane Grasslands). A burning frequency of once in 2 years years may be required under certain circumstances, where corrective actions are needed to reverse the trend. 6

8 Stricter control of grazing rotation Selectively grazed conditions would require burning and grazing within a higher level of control, i.e. burning smaller management blocks more frequently whilst allowing higher grazing pressure on the management blocks. It is therefore essential to have monitoring of the veld condition in place if a higher burning frequency is applied. Licks and water points The manipulation of game movements through licks and water points are also options to consider in the grassland management. 1.8 Monitoring The frequent monitoring of grass composition or of the abundance of grass species will provide objective information for decision making. This will allow timeous corrective actions to be applied to ensure that management objectives are reached. As stated in the paragraphs above, the proactive monitoring and management will ensure that veld condition remain within predefined limits. This will therefore prevent deterioration in veld condition towards a domain (past an ecological threshold) where active management through fire is no more an economical viable option. The more frequently a grassland is monitored the sooner veld condition trend can be determined. Monitoring should be on a yearly basis because of the annual influence of rainfall on grass species dynamics and because of the impact of fire and grazing. Grass species composition and abundance, grass basal cover (or the average tuft to point distance) and bare ground, grass phytomass (or grass fuel load), and the abundance of non-grassy forbs are all important aspects that form part of monitoring (see more description of these under the Methods, below). Under the climatic conditions (relatively high rainfall and cold temperatures with frost) experienced in the Highveld it is important to link the impact of fire and grazing with observed the grassland. Veld condition and grass composition therefore form the basis for management decisions i.e., stocking rates, grazing spectrum (bulk grazers versus selective grazers) and the type of grazing management applied. Veld condition assessments should thus reveal whether the grassland area has been well managed or mismanaged. With well managed conditions the grassland is burnt frequently enough, followed by light to moderate grazing and within an optimal grazing period, so that the Decreaser grasses are not grazed out. With mismanaged conditions the grassland can be over-rested (under-grazed), selectively grazed or overgrazed. 7

9 With infrequently burned grassland and with under-grazing, the grass layer can become selectively grazed when too large areas are burned, followed by little control after the burn, therefore poor control of the movements of the grazers so that the grazers have such a large area from which they can select the Decreaser grasses and overgraze them, resulting in areas where the grass layer is under-grazed and where climax grass species increase in abundance, together with areas within the grassland where pioneer species dominate because of the overgrazing of palatable species. Overgrazing on the other hand can follow when a grassland is too frequently burnt and grazed or where too small areas are burned and grazed, or simply by having too many grazers on the property. Trends in veld condition (towards under-utilization or overgrazing) should therefore be determined or monitored over time by regular veld condition assessments. 2. METHODS & INTERPRETATION OF VELD CONDITION Grass species observations and disc height readings are recorded per veld condition site and the grass tuft distance between the monitoring rod and the rooted part of the grass are recorded at each observation. Grass composition is summarized in tables where the grasses are listed within ecological categories (as defined by Tainton, 1988), Decreasers and Increasers (Increasers 1 and 2). The contribution of each grass species within the survey is expressed as frequency abundance. Decreasers are sub-climax grasses the most desired grasses for these grasses are productive and palatable. Increaser 1 species are abundant as climax grasses but grasses that are persistent (cannot be out-rested by protection against fire and grazing) after it established itself as a pioneer are also included in the Increaser 1 category. Increaser 2 species are pioneer grasses and not desirable as these grasses are also often lower in production and as a rough guideline have lower basal cover and veld dominated by these grasses would therefore be prone to higher soil loss due to erosion. This report also contains graphs illustrating the condition of the veld on a degradation axis showing climax grassland on the one extreme of the axis and severely overgrazed veld on the other extreme of the axis. These ISPD graphs need to be updated with follow-up monitoring which can then show the direction of trend, reflecting on rainfall and grazing conditions (ISPD = Integrated System for Plant Dynamics Bosch & Booysen, 1992). Grazing phytomass was assessed with a disc meter as mentioned in the paragraphs above. Grass tuft distances were assessed by measuring the distance between the monitoring rod and the nearest rooted part of the grass tufts. Grass composition and grass species frequency abundance was assessed from 100 sampling points within an area 2m x 50m. 8

10 Figure 2: Photo illustration - the veld condition is assessed by Mr Almero Bosch on a game farm within a similar veld type near Stoffberg. The monitoring rod is placed at each of a 100 step points. 9

11 Figure 3: The photo below illustrates grass cover, as one factor affecting veld condition. The tuft distance affects soil erodability or water catchment potential (which is inversely related). 3. SITE SELECTION In a total of seventy grassland monitoring sites were selected to represent the variation in vegetation and a vegetation and habitat map was produced (2010 veld condition assessment report). In 2012 a total of 22 of the baseline survey sites were selected and assessed again, also in the winter months as it was in -2010, for the purpose to follow and compare changes over time, trends in grass composition and in veld condition. Only the southern and central parts were assessed again, as it is an important area in the distribution and utilization by game. The northern part of Bezuidenhoudshoek from the plateau at the pan and closer towards the Olifantsrivier was not assessed in 2012 again. Site selection in 2012 was based on representation of important vegetation communities and the geographic distribution (some sites represented communities would therefore duplicate some plant communities). In a total of 17 baseline survey sites assessed in were reassessed. The focus was on areas that did not burn the previous year and more focus was on areas where game numbers are high. A site north and a site south were selected in areas outside the central area where game numbers are currently higher. Survey sites assessed in 2012 were not reassessed for a large number of those sites were within areas that had to burn in Theoretically sites assessed in 2012 would need to be reassessed in 2014 and the sites assessed in would need to be reassessed in

12 The following plant communities are associated with the sites assessed in : Veg Unit Plant communities Site 11 Site 12 Site 14 Site 16 Site 17 Site 18 Site 31 Site 37 Site 38 Site 43 Site 47 Site 49 Site 50 Site 60 Site 70 Site 71 Site 77 1 Acacia caffra Digitaria monodactyla savanna x 3 Acacia caffra climax grassland x 5 Acacia karroo (often including Acacia caffra) Setaria sphacelata / Tristachya leucothrix savanna x 10 Burkea africana / Ochna pulchra climax grassland x x 11 Burkea africana Setaria sphacelata savanna x 13 Burkea africana / Englerophytum magalismontanum L. simplex savanna on pillar sandstone mosaic x 14 Burkea africana rocky savanna including Gymnospermum tenuispina / Xerophyta retinervis shrubland x 17 Eragrostis curvula / Hyparrhenia anamesa grassland (including climax grasses i.e. Tristachya rehmannii) x 18 Eragrostis curvula & Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic x x 19 Eragrostis viscosa rocky grassland x 23 Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic x x x 28 Semi permanent to permanent wetlands x 29 Seasonal to semi permanent wetlands (ecotone between rocky outcrops and a seepage pan area) x 11

13 4. VELD CONDITION RESULTS AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Refer to Veld Condition (Table appended). The results are presented within two main components, namely cover and condition. Grass cover is assessed from measuring the grass phytomass from compressed disc height and tuft distances are a reflection of basal cover. Grass phytomass is measured using the disc meter, as described earlier. Veld condition is assessed from species abundance within veld condition categories (Decreasers and Increasers) and following trends on ISPD degradation graphs. Some of the more than 100 grass species present on Bezuidenhoudshoek are highlighted and illustrated below. 12

14 These grasses are also listed in the table below showing where it was dominant between the sites assessed in : Dominant species Site 11 Site 12 Site 14 Site 16 Site 17 Site 18 Site 31 Aristida transvaalensis x x x Digitaria monodactyla Elionurus muticus Eragrostis curvula x x x Eragrostis gummiflua x x x Eragrostis viscosa x x Hyparrhenia anamesa x Loudetia simplex x x x Melinis nerviglumis x Setaria sphacelata x x x x x x x Tristachya biseriata x x x x x x Site 37 Site 38 Site 43 Site 47 Site 49 Site 50 Site 60 Site 70 Site 71 Site 77 13

15 Aristida transvaalensis Rock Three Awn This is an unpalatable grass often present on shallow rocky sandy soil. Once established, it is stable under protection from fire and grazing. For management purposes this grass is therefore grouped with Increaser 1 species. Grass species that dominates under under-grazing or climax conditions (Site 47 as an example) are often associated with this species (e.g. Eragrostis curvula and Tristachya biseriata). Frequent burning and grazing in areas dominated by Increaser 1 species should assist to improve the grass basal cover by allowing other species to germinate and establish, contributing to grass cover and composition. 14

16 Digitaria monodactyla Een-vingergras This species is unpalatable and atypical compared to grasses belonging to the genus Digitaria, which are often palatable. It is however grazed when young and increases with overgrazing, often occurring on shallow soils where there is poor drainage, such as on rocky areas with seeps. The grass species grows in a mosaic of patches (reflecting soil micro climatic conditions) and it could therefore easily be missed in a vegetation community where this grass is supposed to be dominant. This grass is an Increaser 2 species. Elionurus muticus Koperdraadgras This is an unpalatable grass often associated with selective grazing. It is stable under protection from fire and grazing and often increases to become dominant with frequent burning on clayey soils. It is not abundant on Bezuidenhoudshoek possibly due to the more sandy soils on the farm which are associated with the sandstone. For management purposes this grass is grouped with Increaser 1 species. 15

17 Eragrostis curvula Oulandsgras This grass is as it names indicates often found and abundant at old lands and on the farm on deep sandy soils associated with tall Burkea africana open woodland. The grass species is stable under high rainfall conditions (>600 mm rain per year). Therefore once established and it cannot be out-rested (will not decrease in abundance with protection against fire and under low grazing pressure). Under mature conditions the grass is unpalatable. It is for management purposes therefore grouped with Increaser 1 species. 16

18 Eragrostis gummiflua Gomgras This grass is unpalatable to most grazers and stable with the protection against fire and grazing. The grass species prefers leached and moist sandy soils and therefore often occurs on wetland ecotones and on shallow rocky sandy areas where the drainage is poor. It is grouped with Increaser 1 species. Eragrostis viscosa Sticky Love Grass Sticky Love Grass has a preference for disturbed shallow sandy soils. It is therefore grouped under the Increaser 2 species. 17

19 Heteropogon contortus Assegaaigras This grass is abundant under slightly overgrazed conditions. It is therefore grouped with the Increaser 2 species. This grass species is not listed on the table above for is an exception the other grass species highlighted in that it is not widespread on the farm, just locally abundant. The grass species is palatable, but less so when mature, but if shortly grazed it can be confused with Red Grass if both species are in the area and both shortly grazed (by looking at specific vegetative characteristics however these two species can be easily distinguished). 18

20 Hyparrhenia anamesa (cross breed between Hyparrhenia hirta and H. filipendula) Dekgras It is dominant in large areas on the farm in areas where the grassland is under-grazed and it is woodier than Fine Thatching Grass (H. filipendula) and therefore less palatable compared to the latter species. It is however a palatable grass at early growth stages, but soon becomes unpalatable when it grows out because it is a fast grower and becomes woody relatively soon. It is stable with the protection from fire and grazing. Mowing in winter encourages this species to increase further in abundance if the hay is left on the soil surface. Fire on its own will not be effective to let the grass species decline in abundance, but burning of small areas, together with high grazing pressure, will result in a decrease in abundance of this species. For management purposes this grass is therefore grouped with Increaser 1 species. Loudetia simplex Russet Grass This is an unpalatable climax grass often present on shallow sandy and rocky soils and under low grazing pressure. It increases in its abundance under protection from fire and grazing. For management purposes this grass is therefore grouped with Increaser 1 species. 19

21 Melinis nerviglumis Fluweelgras This climax grass is often found between the rocky areas where the impact of fire is less severe. It is stable under conditions where grasslands are protected against fire and grazing. It is grazed but not very palatable. The grass is grouped with Increaser 1 species. Setaria sphacelata Bristle Grass This grass is abundant on the farm and grazed mostly in early growth stages. It specific variation of Bristle Grass is less palatable than Red Grass. It is classified as a Decreaser species. 20

22 Tristachya biseriata Sand paper Trident This unpalatable Trident grass species is abundant on sandy and rocky soils. It is classified as an Increaser 1 species, for it is often abundant in areas where grazing pressure is low and on shallow, sandy and rocky areas that are protected against fire. This grass is often found in shallow soils and a mosaic of grassland dominated by either this species or at deeper soil where Eragrostis curvula dominates. Site 18 is within such a mosaic where Tristachya biseriata dominates Grass cover Grazing phytomass Site 11: Acacia caffra-digitaria monodactyla savanna The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is medium. The level of phytomass was close to what was recorded the same time in

23 Site 12: Acacia karroo (often including Acacia caffra) Setaria sphacelata / Tristachya leucothrix savanna The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is low. The level of phytomass was close to what was recorded the same time in Site 14: Burkea africana rocky savanna including Gymnospermum tenuispina / Xerophyta retinervis shrubland The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. The grass phytomass was higher than what was recorded in

24 Site 16: Burkea africana / Ochna pulchra climax grassland The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. Grass phytomass is higher than what was recorded in Site 17: Burkea africana Setaria sphacelata savanna The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. Within this period every time when the phytomass was assessed it was very high, within the same level each time. Grass phytomass is only slightly higher than what was recorded in

25 Site 18: Eragrostis curvula & Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. The level of phytomass was close to what was recorded the same time in 2012, although a little bit lower. Site 31: Eragrostis viscosa rocky grassland The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is high. Grass phytomass is higher than what was recorded in

26 Site 37: Acacia caffra climax grassland The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is low. A trend of decreasing phytomass is observed. Site 38: Seasonal to semi-permanent wetlands (this site is on an ecotone between rocky outcrops and a seepage pan area) The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. A trend of increasing phytomass is observed. 25

27 Site 43: Burkea africana / Englerophytum magalismontanum Loudetia simplex savanna on pillar sandstone mosaic The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the difference compared within this two year interval. Grass phytomass is very high. The level of phytomass was close to what was recorded the same time in Site 47: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is medium. Grass phytomass is similar to previous years when it was assessed, although it shows a decrease of about half a ton/ha in the last year. 26

28 Site 49: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. Grass phytomass increased in the last year. Site 50: Eragrostis curvula / Hyparrhenia anamesa grassland (including climax grasses i.e. Tristachya rehmannii) The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is high. The level of phytomass was close to what was recorded the same time of the year in

29 Site 60: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. Although slightly less in than what was recorded in 2012, it is within the same level compared between the years when the phytomass was assessed. Site 70: Semi-permanent to permanent wetlands The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. A decrease in the phytomass is recorded compared to last year. 28

30 Site 71: Burkea africana Ochna pulchra climax grassland The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. The grass phytomass remained within the same level to what was recorded in Site 77: Eragrostis curvula and Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic The figure below shows the grass phytomass assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass phytomass is very high. The grass phytomass is higher than what was recorded in

31 Tuft distances 2012: From the report in Grass tuft distances trend between /2010 and 2012 illustrated that there was generally deterioration in grass basal cover, as reflected by grass tuft distances that are further apart in 2012, compared to the assessments in /2010. : Grass tuft distances trend between /2010 and illustrated that there is generally improvement in grass basal cover, as reflected by grass tuft distances that are less in, compared to the previous assessments in /2010. Site 11: Acacia caffra-digitaria monodactyla savanna The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. The grass cover remained stable, because the average grass tuft distance was similar to what was recorded last year. 30

32 Site 12: Acacia karroo (often including Acacia caffra) Setaria sphacelata / Tristachya leucothrix savanna The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is good. Site 14: Burkea africana rocky savanna including Gymnospermum tenuispina / Xerophyta retinervis shrubland The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. The average grass tuft distance recorded between these years shows a degree of fluctuation over the 3 year period. Within the last year however the grass cover shows improvement, based on the grass tuft distance being less than that which was recorded in

33 Site 16: Burkea africana / Ochna pulchra climax grassland The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. Site 17: Burkea africana Setaria sphacelata savanna The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is medium. The grass cover remained stable, because the average grass tuft distance was similar to what was recorded last year. 32

34 Site 18: Eragrostis curvula & Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. The grass cover remained stable, because the average grass tuft distance was similar to what was recorded last year. Site 31: Eragrostis viscosa rocky grassland The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is good. The grass cover remained stable, because the average grass tuft distance was similar to what was recorded last year. 33

35 Site 37: Acacia caffra climax grassland The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is medium. The average grass tuft distance recorded between these years shows a degree of fluctuation over the 3 year period. Within the last year however the grass cover shows improvement, based on the grass tuft distance being less than that which was recorded in Site 38: Seasonal to semi-permanent wetlands (this site is on an ecotone between rocky outcrops and a seepage pan area) The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. A trend of improvement in grass cover over the 3 intervals is observed at this site. 34

36 Site 43: Burkea africana / Englerophytum magalismontanum Loudetia simplex savanna on pillar sandstone mosaic The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the difference compared within this two year interval. Grass cover is poor. Improvement in grass cover is observed within the period. Site 47: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. The average grass tuft distance recorded between these years shows a degree of fluctuation over the 3 year period. Within the last year however the grass cover shows improvement, based on the grass tuft distance being less than that which was recorded in

37 Site 49: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is medium. The average grass tuft distance recorded between these years shows a degree of fluctuation over the 3 year period. Within the last year however the grass cover shows improvement, based on the grass tuft distance being less than that which was recorded in Site 50: Eragrostis curvula / Hyparrhenia anamesa grassland (including climax grasses i.e. Tristachya rehmannii) The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. 36

38 Site 60: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is medium. The average grass tuft distance recorded between these years shows a degree of fluctuation over this period. Within the last year however the grass cover shows improvement, based on the grass tuft distance being less than that which was recorded in Site 70: Semi-permanent to permanent wetlands The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is poor. The average grass tuft distance recorded between these years shows a degree of fluctuation over this period. Within the last year however the grass cover shows improvement, based on the grass tuft distance being less than that which was recorded in

39 Site 71: Burkea africana Ochna pulchra climax grassland The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is medium. The average grass tuft distance recorded between these years shows a degree of fluctuation over this period. Within the last year however the grass cover shows improvement, based on the grass tuft distance being less than that which was recorded in Site 77: Eragrostis curvula and Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic The figure below shows the average point to tuft distance assessed and the differences compared over 3 intervals. Grass cover is medium. A trend of improvement in grass cover over the 3 intervals is observed at this site. 38

40 5. VELD CONDITION, GRAZING CAPACITY AND MANAGEMENT The veld condition assessment on Bezuidenhoudshoek Game Reserve can be summarized as follows: Veld condition varied between over-rested, well managed, slightly overgrazed and overgrazed. Undergrazed conditions are most represented in from the sites that were assessed. Overgrazing, Selective grazing and Well-managed conditions are localized (limited) and are therefore not generally observed. The assessments therefore mostly revealed under-grazing (climax), as illustrated below. Trend in veld condition at Bezuidenhoudshoek, comparing /2010, 2012 and is mostly negative. Note: Veld condition trend towards overgrazing is expected to be negative, but also trend towards climax conditions is viewed as negative, even though the change in veld condition is away from overgrazing. Under-grazing is therefore the challenge. The distribution of game is a challenge. Large areas assessed in are in climax, or under-grazed. The following graphs compare grazing capacity from 2012 to, which is another way of comparing trend, although in the calculation of grazing capacity grass cover plays a very important role and therefore affects the outcome of this calculation significantly. Improvement in grazing capacity is noted at a large proportion of the sites assessed in, but a number of sites also show very similar grazing capacity in than what was calculated in

41 5.1. Grazing capacity Site 11: Acacia caffra-digitaria monodactyla savanna Veld condition is undergrazed; veld condition improved due to a higher Decreaser contribution (Setaria sphacelata). Yet the trend is towards climax; therefore trend is negative. Grazing capacity improved due to a higher proportion of Setaria sphacelata in and a slightly better grass cover; in the Grazing capacity is therefore 7.7ha/LAU. Site 12: Acacia karroo (often including Acacia caffra) Setaria sphacelata / Tristachya leucothrix savanna Veld condition changed from selectively grazed - overgrazed and trend is negative, because the veld condition trend is towards overgrazing. However, a higher Decreaser contribution (Setaria sphacelata) and a better grass cover have a positive effect on grazing capacity. Grazing capacity improved; it is 4.8 ha/lau in. 40

42 Site 14: Burkea africana rocky savanna including Gymnospermum tenuispina / Xerophyta retinervis shrubland Veld condition is good; trend is positive, with an improvement in veld condition due to a higher Decreaser contribution (Setaria sphacelata). Grazing capacity in is 6.1 ha/lau; it also improved. Site 16: Burkea africana / Ochna pulchra climax grassland Veld condition deteriorated due to a lower Decreaser contribution since 2012 (also lower abundance of Setaria sphacelata). Grazing capacity is also less in ; it is 10.1 ha/lau. 41

43 Site 17: Burkea africana Setaria sphacelata savanna Veld condition is still good in stable conditions are present a slight improvement in the ISPD condition is affected by a higher Increaser 1 contribution, but the Decreaser contribution is only slightly lower. The slight improvement in grazing capacity in (from 7.9 ha/lau in 2012 to 7.4 ha/lau in 2012) is due to the better grass cover in. (However, a fluctuation in grass cover is observed anyway, with /2010 reflecting poorer grass cover again). Site 18: Eragrostis curvula & Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic Veld condition is in climax and trend is negative, towards the climax; grazing capacity however improved due to a lower proportion pioneer species in. Grazing capacity improved to 11.0 ha/lau. 42

44 Site 31: Eragrostis viscosa rocky grassland Veld condition improved to the sub-climax, even though it is still overgrazed. Grazing capacity in is unchanged, 18.1 ha/lau. Site 37: Acacia caffra climax grassland Veld condition trend is positive, towards the sub-climax, plus the grass cover improved. Grazing capacity in is therefore higher; it is 8.3 ha/lau. 43

45 Site 38: Seasonal to semi-permanent wetlands (this site is on an ecotone between rocky outcrops and a seepage pan area) Veld condition trend is towards climax; trend is negative because the change is towards climax, but the improvement in grass cover affects the grazing capacity positively. Grazing capacity in improved slightly, to 9.5 ha/lau. Site 43: Burkea africana / Englerophytum magalismontanum Loudetia simplex savanna on pillar sandstone mosaic Veld condition trend is negative, with a slightly higher Increaser 1 contribution (Loudetia simplex). A lower grass basal cover is observed in. Grazing capacity is affected by the poorer grass cover and higher Increaser 1 contribution (L. simplex). Grazing capacity is slightly less in ; it is 9.2 ha/lau, slightly less than the 9.0 recorded in. 44

46 Site 47: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic Veld condition is in climax; it remained more or less unchanged, with a high proportion of Increaser 1 grasses, but the grass tuft distance is less in, which reflects an improvement in grass cover. Grazing capacity in is therefore better than in 2012; it is 15.3 ha/lau. Site 49: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic Veld condition is being selectively grazed, but the trend is positive for the change is towards the sub-climax and the grass cover also improved. Grazing capacity therefore also improved in to 9.0 ha/lau. 45

47 Site 50: Eragrostis curvula / Hyparrhenia anamesa grassland (including climax grasses i.e. Tristachya rehmannii) Veld condition is under-grazed to selectively grazed, but the trend shows improvement towards the sub-climax. Grazing capacity also improved in ; is 10.8 ha/lau. Site 60: Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic Veld condition deteriorated towards climax. Grazing capacity in is 9.1 ha/lau, slightly less than in

48 Site 70: Semi-permanent to permanent wetlands Veld condition is undergrazed; trend is negative, for the change is towards climax. Grass cover improved. Grazing capacity in is therefore higher, 9.1 ha/lau, which is an improvement from Site 71: Burkea africana Ochna pulchra climax grassland Veld condition is stable; trend is therefore not clear yet, but grass cover improved. Grazing capacity improved in is 8.8 ha/lau. 47

49 Site 77: Eragrostis curvula and Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic Veld condition deteriorated towards climax due to the contribution of Eragrostis gummiflua in. Trend is therefore negative. Grazing capacity in is 18.7 ha/lau. The graph below illustrates the variability in grazing capacity over the sites assessed in. The average grazing capacity of the sites assessed in is 9.7 ha/lau. This includes a 33% reduction from the calculation based on the current veld conditions, to take into consideration that a rotational multi-camp system is not present within this game reserve (as it would be for commercial grazing). 48

50 5.2. Veld condition summary The following table summarizes the veld condition assessed in and relates it to trend, with management recommendations applicable to the grassland areas represented by the sites assessed in. Sites Phytomass level Trend Phytomass compared to 2012 Grass cover Grass cover trend Veld Condition Trend Veld Condition Management 11 medium similar poor similar undergrazed negative protect against fire 12 low similar good improved from 2012 overgrazed negative protect against fire 14 very high accumulation poor improved from 2012 good positive burn 16 very high accumulation poor deteriorated undergrazed positive burn 17 accumulation medium similar good stable burn 18 very high similar poor similar undergrazed negative burn 31 high similar good similar overgrazed positive protect against fire 37 low less than 2012 medium improved from 2012 selectively grazed positive protect against fire 38 very high accumulation poor undergrazed negative burn 43 very high similar poor similar undergrazed negative burn 47 medium less than 2012 poor similar undergrazed negative see note 49 very high accumulation medium similar selectively grazed positive burn 50 very high similar poor similar undergrazed positive see note 60 very high less than 2012 medium similar undergrazed negative burn 70 very high similar poor similar undergrazed negative burn 71 very high similar medium improved from 2012 undergrazed stable burn 77 very high accumulation medium similar undergrazed negative burn Note: Some areas that would qualify to burn in based on grass phytomass and grass species composition are not included to burn due to strategic purposes. These areas may be included in the burns in 2014 after follow-up grassland monitoring I 2014 and veld condition assessments. See the proposed areas to burn on the map below, illustrated on a vegetation map (map provided in the veld condition assessment report by De Wet & Van Den Berg in 2010). A large map (size A0) is available once the final areas to be burned are consolidated after the management meeting on the game farm on 4 th November. 49

51 50

52 5.3. Recommendations Generic recommendations would be as follows, although each assessment has site specific recommendations, as summarized in the tables and site reports: Well managed areas could burn based on its species composition, with Decreaser grasses dominating, but the grass phytomass needs to exceed 4 tons/ha, although a lower 3 tons/ha is the threshold for climax conditions. Therefore only some areas that qualify on both these two criteria would need to burn in. Overgrazed areas should therefore not be burned in and be protected against fire in the medium term. Under-grazed areas would qualify to burn depending on the grass phytomass. Some of the areas that are under-grazed in are recommended to burn, because grass phytomass exceeds 3 tons/ha (4 tons/ha is the general guideline, but exceptions are made for selectively grazed and climax conditions to allow these areas to burn when 3 tons/ha is exceeded). Fire, as a management tool, can still play a very important role in the grazing management strategy. However, it is not just fire itself that is important, but how fire is applied, which can make the difference, to allow the grazing to be manipulated enough to accommodate higher numbers of game. It is envisaged that the effective application of fire can further improve the grazing capacity estimated for. The areas recommended for burning will need to burn in after the first spring rains and specialized burning is required in the winter of 2014 to burn Bankrotbos areas. Autumn Burning is recommended in areas where game numbers are normally very low. Bankrotbos-dominated areas would need to burn in winter or when the humidity is low, grass curing high, day temperature higher than 20 degrees and with a large enough fire break to fight a potential run-away fire. With these burns it is not the objective to have a cool burn, but to have the impact of the hot type of burn on the invasive Bankrotbos. Follow-up burning would be required after ad hoc inspections in years that follow. The method of Tainton (1988) is used to estimate the grazing capacity and take into consideration the species composition, grass cover, erodability potential and the topographical gradient. 51

53 6. REFERENCES BOTHMA, J. du P Game Ranch Management. J.L. van Schaik.639 pp BOSCH, O. J. H Degradation of the semi-arid grasslands of southern Africa. Journal of Arid Environments (1989) 16, BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and BOOYSEN, J An Integrated System for Plant Dynamics a Decision support Tool for use at farm and paddock level. Sheep Industry Software, Agricultural Systems & Information Technology. Vol. 4 No. 1. DE WET, S.F Habitat en voedingsvoorkeure van die blouwildebees (Connochaetes taurinus taurinus Burchell, 1923) en ander diersoorte in die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin. M.Sc. Thesis. University of Pretoria. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld Management in South Africa. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg. 472 pp. TROLLOPE, W.S.W. & POTGIETER, A Estimating Grass Fuel Loads With A Disc Meter In The Kruger National Park J. Grassl. Soc. Sth. Afr. 3,4:

54 APPENDIX A: EXPLANATION OF GRASSLAND DYNAMICS The following paragraphs illustrate the way in which grassland dynamics can be interpreted: Veld condition can be interpreted by grouping the grass species into ecological categories or classes. Grass species are classified into four groups, as follows: 1. Decreaser species (indicators of well managed veld) i.e. those which dominate in veld which is in good condition and which decline in abundance when overgrazing or degradation takes place; 2. Increaser I species (indicators of under-utilization) i.e. those which are not abundant in veld which is in good condition, but which increase when veld is under-utilized (over-rested) or burnt on a overly low frequency; 3. Increaser II species (indicators of degradation) i.e. those which are not abundant in veld which is in good condition, but which increase when veld is over-utilized or degraded by too much burning. Tainton (1988) states the following: If the decline in veld condition over a period of time is the result of a increase in the proportion of Increaser I species, then it is clear that the area is being under-utilized and so stocking rate or burning frequency should be increased; If a decline in veld condition is associated with a replacement of Decreaser species by Increaser II species, then the area has been over-utilized and the stocking rate or the burning frequency should be reduced and if possible longer resting periods should be applied; Therefore, in order to monitor the veld condition trends, one needs to repeat the monitoring over a period of time. 53

55 APPENDIX B VELD CONDITION SITE REPORTS 54

56 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 44' 25.5'' 29 20' 19.5'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 11 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET 02/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Acacia caffra Digitaria monodactyla savanna GEOLOGY AND SOILS Quartzite and Diabase DATE VISITED 02/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 10 species = Medium 18 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Setaria sphacelata (Bristle Grass) 29% Eragrostis gummiflua (Gum Grass) 27% Eragrostis curvula (Weeping Love Grass) 20% 6.1 cm = 2471 kg/ha = Medium Under-grazed Veld condition deteriorated; trend is to the climax. 7.7 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Protect against fire in. 55

57 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 56

58 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 44' 38.4'' 29 20' 25.1'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 12 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET 03/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Acacia karroo Setaria sphacelata/tristachya leucothrix savanna GEOLOGY AND SOILS Diabase DATE VISITED 03/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 11 species = Medium 19 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Setaria sphacelata (Bristle Grass) 43% Eragrostis racemosa (Narrow Heart Love Grass ) 15% Cymbopogon excavatus (Broad-leaved Turpentine Grass) 10% Eragrostis capensis ( Heart-seed Love Grass) 10% 3.8 cm = High 1024 kg/ha = Overgrazed (ISPD graph shows slightly overgrazed). A trend of deterioration is observed, towards overgrazing. 4.8 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Protect against fire in. 57

59 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 58

60 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 44' 23.3'' 29 19' 25.1'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 14 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS DATE VISITED 06/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 06/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Burkea africana rocky savanna including Gymnospermum tenuispina / Xerophyta retinervis shrubland Sandstone & Dolerite/ Red Sandy Clay Loam 6 species = 11 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Setaria sphacelata (Bristle Grass) 72% Eragrostis curvula ( Weeping Love Grass) 12% Heteropogon contortus (Spear Grass) 8% 8.0 cm = 5763 kg/ha = Very High MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. Well Managed A trend of improvement to well managed veld is observed, but it does not reflect disturbance on this site. This transect in was moved to the left of the soil disturbance, for the disturbance is actually right centre on the fixed long term monitoring site. 6.1 ha/lau 59

61 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 60

62 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 44' 52.3'' 29 19' 05.1'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 16 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland 06/09/ Burkea africana Ochna pulchra climax grassland GEOLOGY AND SOILS Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 06/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 17 species = Medium 24 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Setaria sphacelata (Bristle Grass) 24% Eragrostis gummiflua ( Gum Grass) 19% Digitaria monodactyla (One Finger Grass) 19% 6.0 cm = Medium 4163 kg/ha = Very High Selectively Grazed 10.1 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 61

63 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 62

64 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 43' 50.0'' 29 17' 52.4'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 17 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET 06/09/ Veld Type 19 - Sourish Mixed Bushveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Burkea africana Setaria sphacelata savanna GEOLOGY AND SOILS Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 06/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 12 species = Medium 21 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Setaria sphacelata (Bristle Grass) 46% Melinis nerviglumis (Bristle-leaved Red Top) 18% Heteropogon contortus (Spear Grass) 10% 5.8 cm = Medium 4907 kg/ha = Very High MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. Well Managed Trend within well managed domain but veld condition seems stable. 7.4 ha/lau 63

65 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 64

66 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) FARM SITE NUMBER GOOGLE IMAGE 25 43' 29.6'' 29 18' 17.8'' VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS Bezuidenhoudshoek Site 18B 06/09/ Veld Type 19 - Sourish Mixed Bushveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Eragrostis curvula & Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 06/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 11 species = Medium 15 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Setaria sphacelata (Bristle Grass) 30% Tristachya biseriata (Tristachya) 26% Loudetia simplex (Common Russet Grass) 12% 8.5 cm = 5315 kg/ha = Very High Under-grazed Trend further towards climax, therefore deterioration ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 65

67 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 66

68 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 44' 02.1'' 29 20' 14.4'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 31 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland 02/09/ Eragrostis viscosa rocky grassland GEOLOGY AND SOILS Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 02/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 10 species = Medium 15 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Eragrostis viscosa (Sticky Love Grass) 42% Eragrostis gummiflua (Gum Grass) 14% Eragrostis racemosa (Narrow Heart Love Grass) 10% 3.3 cm = High 3211 kg/ha = High Overgrazed Trend is positive, away from overgrazing to the sub-climax ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Protect against fire in. 67

69 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 68

70 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 42' 02.7'' 29 19' 23.0'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 37 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET 05/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Acacia caffra climax grassland GEOLOGY AND SOILS Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 05/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 17 species = Medium 20 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Melinis nerviglumis (Bristle-leaved Red Top) 20% Eragrostis chloromelas (Curly-leaf Love Grass) 20% Brachiaria serrata (Red Top Grass) 10% Setaria sphacelata (Common Bristle Grass) 10% 4.9 cm = Medium 1148 kg/ha = MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Protect against fire in. Selectively grazed Veld condition trend is towards the sub-climax domain, therefore improvement. 8.3 ha/lau 69

71 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 70

72 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 42' 03.6'' 29 18' 44.0'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 38 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS DATE VISITED 05/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 05/09/ Veld Type 19 - Sourish Mixed Bushveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Seasonal to semi-permanent wetlands (this site is on an ecotone between rocky outcrops and a seepage pan area) Sandstone - Sandy 15 species = Medium 32 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Tristachya biseriata (Tristachya) 24% Panicum natalense (Natal Panicum) 12% Eragrostis racemosa (Narrow Heart Love Grass) 12% 8.4 cm = 5821 kg/ha = Very High Selectively grazed to Under-grazed Trend is towards the climax, therefore deterioration. 9.5 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 71

73 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 72

74 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 41' 01.6'' 29 19' 43.0'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 43 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS DATE VISITED 05/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 05/09/ Veld Type 19 - Sourish Mixed Bushveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Burkea africana / Englerophytum magalismontanum - Loudetia simplex savanna on pillar sandstone mosaic Sandstone - Sandy 14 species = Medium 19 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Loudetia simplex (Common Russet Grass) 32% Tristachya rehmannii (Broom Trident Grass) 16% Andropogon schirensis (Stab Grass) 10% 8.6 cm = 4939 kg/ha = Very High Under-grazed to Selectively Grazed Trend is towards climax, therefore deterioration. 9.2 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 73

75 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 74

76 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 42' 48.3'' 29 21' 07.4'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 47 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS DATE VISITED 03/09/ 03/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic Sandstone - Sandy GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 16 species = Medium 20 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Aristida transvaalensis (Rock Three-awn) 22% Tristachya biseriata (Tristachya) 10% Setaria sphacelata (Common Bristle Grass) 10% 9.7 cm = 2517 kg/ha = Medium Under-grazed to Selectively Grazed Trend is towards climax, therefore deterioration ha/lau Protect against fire in, although it qualifies to burn in. The protection against fire is due to strategic reasons. 75

77 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 76

78 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 43' 25.9'' 29 20' 52.9'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 49 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS DATE VISITED 03/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 03/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic Sandstone - Sandy 10 species = Medium 11 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Aristida transvaalensis (Rock Three-awn) 20% Eragrostis viscosa (Sticky Love Grass) 20% Loudetia simplex (Common Russet Grass) 14% Eragrostis gummiflua (Gum Grass) 14% 5.0 cm = Medium 4234 kg/ha = Very High Selectively Grazed Trend is towards the sub-climax domain. 9.0 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 77

79 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 78

80 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 43' 36.5'' 29 21' 11.9'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 50 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS DATE VISITED 03/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 03/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Eragrostis curvula / Hyparrhenia anamesa grassland (including climax grasses i.e. Tristachya rehmannii) Sandstone - Sandy 19 species = Medium 23 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Setaria sphacelata (Common Bristle Grass) 17% Loudetia simplex (Common Russet Grass) 16% Aristida transvaalensis (Rock Three-awn) 12% 7.7 cm = 3252 kg/ha = High Under-grazed to Selectively Grazed Trend is towards sub-climax, therefore improvement ha/lau Protect against fire in, although it qualifies to burn in. The protection against fire is due to strategic reasons. 79

81 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 80

82 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 44' 22.4'' 29 19' 43.7'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 60 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS DATE VISITED 06/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 06/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Setaria sphacelata grassland and Xerophyta retinervis / Gymnosporia tenuispina shrubland mosaic Sandstone - Sandy 15 species = Medium 20 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Tristachya biseriata (Tristachya) 48% Loudetia simplex (Common Russet Grass) 9% Eragrostis racemosa (Narrow Heart Love Grass) 8% 5.5 cm = Medium 4511 kg/ha = Very High Under-grazed Trend is towards climax, therefore deterioration. 9.1 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 81

83 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 82

84 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 42' 16.7'' 29 19' 03.7'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 70 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET 05/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Semi-permanent to permanent wetlands GEOLOGY AND SOILS Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 05/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 10 species = Medium spp = high) Eragrostis curvula (Weeping Love Grass) 34% GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) Hyparrhenia anamesa (Bundle Thatching Grass) 14% Pogonarthria squarrosa (Herringbone Grass) 14% AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium > cm = cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively 5527 kg/ha = Very High grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) Under-grazed to Selectively Grazed VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY Trend is towards climax; therefore deterioration. 9.1 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 83

85 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 84

86 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) GOOGLE IMAGE 25 43' 04.5'' 29 19' 37.4'' FARM Bezuidenhoudshoek SITE NUMBER Site 71 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET 03/09/ Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland Burkea africana Ochna pulchra climax grassland GEOLOGY AND SOILS Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 03/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 16 species = Medium 21 species ( incl. <1% species) = High Tristachya biseriata (Tristachya) 43% Eragrostis curvula (Weeping Love Grass) 10% Setaria sphacelata (Common Bristle Grass) 6% 5.6 cm = Medium 4711 kg/ha = Very High Under-grazed Trend minimal, condition could be viewed as stable. 8.8 ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 85

87 ISPD FIGURE POSITION OF RED VERTICAL ARROW ILLUSTRATES THE CONDITION ON A DEGRADATION AXIS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE TREND CAN BE OBSERVED FROM FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE ASSESSMENTS (i.e. Run 1 = Year 1, Run 2 = Year 2 etc.). LITERATURE ACOCKS, J.P.H Veld Types of South Africa. Botanical Research Institute. 146 pp BOSCH, O. J. H. and GAUGH, H The use of degradation gradients for the assessment and ecological interpretation of range condition. Tydskrif Weidingsveren. S. Afr. (1991), 8. (4). Pp DE WET, S. F Bezuidenhoudshoek Vegetation Map 2010 Veld condition assessment & Management Report. Unpublished report. MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C., The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. 807 pp. TAINTON, N.M Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg. 481 pp. 86

88 VELD CONDITION ASSESSMENT SITE REPORT (SEE ATTACHED TABLE) FARM GOOGLE IMAGE 25 42' 06.7'' 29 20' 10.0'' SITE NUMBER Site 77 VELD TYPE - ACOCKS VELD TYPE MUCINA & RUTHERFORD VEGETATION UNIT - DE WET GEOLOGY AND SOILS Bezuidenhoudshoek Veld Type 61 - Bankenveld Gm11 - Rand Highveld Grassland 05/09/ Eragrostis curvula and Seriphium plumosum (= Stoebe vulgaris) grassland mosaic Sandstone - Sandy DATE VISITED 05/09/ GRASS SPECIES RICHNESS (Number of grass species: <10 spp = low; spp = medium; >20 spp = high) GRASS SPECIES ABUNDANCE (DOMINANT SPECIES) AVERAGE GRASS TUFT DISTANCE (Water Catchment Potential - High is 4 cm, Medium >4-6 cm & > 6 cm) GRASS PHYTOMASS (Fuel Load) (3 tons/ha is threshold for burning climax or selectively grazed areas; 4 tons/ha for other areas, including wetland ecotones) VELD CONDITION (according to Tainton, 1988) VELD CONDITION TREND CURRENT GRAZING CAPACITY 8 species = 10 species ( incl. <1% species) = Medium Eragrostis curvula (Weeping Love Grass) 62% Eragrostis gummiflua (Gum Grass) 12% Perotis patens (Bottle Brush Grass) 8% 5.8 cm = Medium 4163 kg/ha = Very High Under-grazed to Selectively Grazed Trend towards climax; therefore negative ha/lau MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Burn in. 87