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Ordination of land types in the karoo region into reasonably homogeneous farming areas based on vegetation and environmental factors
Author
Vorster, M.
Becker, H.R.
Greyling, J.S.
Bosch, O.J.H.
Publisher
Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
Publication Year
1987
Body

The 291 preliminary land types in the Karoo Region formed the basis for the demarcation of the 144 Reasonably Homogeneous Farming Areas (RHFAs). The land types were firstly reduced to 23 Floristic Climatic Regions (FCRs) according to character species for certain macroclimatic conditions. The character species were identified by means of computer classification and ordination techniques (PHYTOTAB, TWINSPAN and DECORANA). About 22 soil forms and numerous soil series were found in the Karoo Region. Based on differences in the inherent veld production potential and erodibility of the different soils, as well as differences in slope, nine Veld Soil Potential Classes (VSPCs) were synthesised. The land types in each of the FCRs were, lastly, consolidated according to their similarity in terms of macrocli mate and dominant topographical units and VSPCs, into RHFAs.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Journal Name
Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
Keywords
Africa