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The program focuses on: Management of Grazing lands Rangeland Monitoring Integrated Management of Problem Plants Rangeland restoration/rehabilitation
The prediction of primary production of natural
rangelands in South Africa is essential in the planning of interventions for
improving livestock management and production. The prediction of vegetation
production promotes the optimum use of rangelands, while fodder flow planning
encourages competitive livestock production. The setting of sustainable
production estimates (grazing capacity) ensures sustainable livestock
production systems. | | Rangeland Ecology, Forage and Management |
Rangeland Ecology
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Farming Systems |
Forage Technology |
Ruminant Nutrition
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Among others, this program focuses in the following:
- Understanding global and local drivers of problem (encroaching, invading and poisonous) plants in rangelands communities.
- The extent and effects problem plants in South African rangelands
- Develop ecologically friendly methods of managing problem plants in rangelands
In general, veld
degrade through overgrazing and can only be halted or reversed through the
provision of technology based on empirical data. This programme co-ordinates
research in environments that have been transformed to such an extent that they
require considerable outside intervention in order to reclaim or stabilise
them. Examples include, inter alia, mobile dunes of the southern Kalahari,
areas previously used for exotic trees and mine tailings, and degraded communal
rangelands.
Services:
Training of students and farmers on basic principles of managing veld
and pastures
Veld condition assessment of farms to determine carrying capacities and stocking rate
Development of fodder flow plans
