Runoff plots with a 4,13% slope were used to determine the runoff, phytomass production and water use efficiency (WUE: the phytomass production in relation to evapotranspiration losses) of natural veld in different successional stages for the period July 1977 to June 1983.
Statistically significant differences (P< 0,01) in runoff between the climax, subclimax and pioneer grass cover were recorded over the six years, when 1,01, 1,55 and 2,94% respectively of the total rainfall over the six years was runoff.
The climax cover gave the highest phytomass production over the six years (average of 1 189,23 kg/ha) and also caused a decrease in production with a decrease in rainfall over the seasons, while phytomass production of the pioneer grass cover increased with a decrease in rainfall.
The climax grass cover used water two and four times more efficient (P< 0,01) than the subclimax and pioneer grass cover respectively over the six years.
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.