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IMPLICATIONS OF SUBHABITAT DIVERSITY AND THE ROLE OF MANAGEMENT ON THE OCCURRENCE OF A NUMBER OF GRASS SPECIES OF THE SOURISH MIXED BUSHVELD
Author
Smit, G.N.
Rethman, N.F.G.
Publisher
Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
Publication Year
1989
Body

The subhabitat preferences of seven grass species and forbs, typical of the Sourish Mixed Bushveld, were investigated in eight camps which had received different long?term grazing treatments. Two subhabitats were identified, viz. under trees and between trees. Differences in the subhabitate preferences were found and described.

The influence of the long?term grazing treatments on the occurrence and subhabitat preferences of the grass species and forbs concerned, were identified and discussed. Panicum maximum proved to be the most important grass species which should receive more attention due to its preference for the canopied subhabitat, its high production potential and its sensitiveness to grazing management. The application of bush control without the necessary information for the specific veld type is questioned on the basis of these findings.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Collection
Southern Africa Collection
Journal Name
Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
Keywords
associations
bush control
canopied
Panicum maximum
uncanopied
Africa