Three methods of estimating herbage mass were compared in terms of their relative efficiencies when precision obtained per unit effort required was taken as criterion. The methods involved were randomly placed circular quadrats; randomly placed narrow strips; and disc meter sampling. Disc meter and quadrat sampling appear to be more efficient than strip sampling. In a subsequent small plot grazing trial the estimates of herbage mass, using the disc meter, had a consistent precision with 95% confidence limits being approximately 10,5% of the mean estimate.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.