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Rangeland degradation in S waziland: Dip tank use effects on range condition and grazing capacity in three soil types
Author(s) -
Beyene Solomon T.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/aje.12155
Subject(s) - rangeland , grazing , degradation (telecommunications) , environmental science , range (aeronautics) , agroforestry , soil science , agronomy , geography , biology , engineering , telecommunications , aerospace engineering
Abstract This study examined rangeland condition and degradation characteristics of the semi‐arid savannahs of Swaziland in response to distance from dip‐tank points in three soil types. Eight dip‐tanks, three each in sandy and loamy, and two in stony soils, were selected. Two transects (1 km) radiating from each dip‐tank were established. Total herbaceous yield (range: 176–363.8 kg DM ha −1 ) and grazing capacity (47.5–111.5 ha LSU −1 ) were very low throughout the studied areas. Palatability and ecological values of grasses were 18.7–67.6% and 43.2–64.1%, respectively. Most sites were dominated by woody seedlings and saplings (<0–2 m). Most vegetation variables did not respond considerably to distance, soil types and sites within soil types. When all measured variables were combined, the results showed a generally poor range condition scores across distance points from the dip‐tank. A holistic restoration programme with full involvement of communal farmers, experts, policy makers and extension workers is recommended.