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The influence of land management on soil erosion in the Sneeuberg Mountains, Central Karoo, South Africa
Author(s) -
KeayBright J.,
Boardman J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.785
Subject(s) - grazing , land degradation , geography , erosion , vegetation (pathology) , land management , agroforestry , vegetation cover , soil cover , stocking , water erosion , land cover , soil retrogression and degradation , land use , forestry , environmental science , ecology , agriculture , geology , archaeology , soil water , geomorphology , soil science , pathology , biology , medicine
Farm practices in the Sneeuberg Mountains, Karoo, South Africa are examined to assess their contribution to the development of the observed gullies and badlands. Data from the literature is augmented by interviews with local farmers and measurements in the field. Changes in stocking rates, grazing systems and technological advances are assessed for their impact on soil erosion, vegetation cover and species composition. The possibility of natural and managed rehabilitation of badland areas is discussed, as are future prospects for farm management in the Sneeuberg. The findings suggest that high stock numbers and less benign management practices in the 19th century and the early 20th century underlie much of the degradation seen today. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.