A factorial veld fertilization experiment with three levels of phosphorus (0, 200 and 400 lb superphosphate per morgen per annum) and four levels of nitrogenous fertilizer (0, 200, 400 and 600 lb sulphate of ammonium per morgen per annum) has been conducted over a period of 11 years on a climax Themeda veld and pioneer Eragrostis?Aristida veld at the Agricultural Research Institute, Glen.
Over the period of the experiment it was found that the two veld types responded differently to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. The best response occurred during years with high rainfall, in general nitrogen fertilization increased the hay, protein and phosphorus production of Themeda veld, but caused a successional retrogression in the plant cover. The effect of nitrogenous fertilizer on the Eragrostis?Aristida veld was much more marked than on the Themeda veld, the trend of plant succession being positive.
Phosphorus fertilizer as such had little influence except in interaction with nitrogen, where it increased yield.
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.