This article on the short?term effects of veld fertilization in the Bankenveld, deals with the effects of nitrogenous, phosphatic and potassic fertilization, and stocking rates on beef, mutton and wool production. Increased beef production was obtained by applying nitrogenous (linear to 80 kg N/ha) and phosphatic fertilizer to the veld. Fertilization influenced the production of merino sheep less than that of cattle. Production per animal decreased and that per unit area increased (to a certain point) as a result of increased stocking rates. The expression of these results as MLU/ha or as ha/MLU influenced the form of the response obtained. Problems were encountered in utilizing fertilized veld, which influenced the economics of the practice. In spite of poor utilization, on some treatments, it appears that veld fertilization can be profitable in its initial stages.
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.