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Linking rangeland condition to grazing management practices: lessons learnt from champion farmers in the grassland and savanna biomes
Author
Finca, A
Ngoako, N
Ntombela, K
Pule, G
Zondani, T
Malepe, K
Tjelele, J
Samuels, I
Cupido, C
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

Sustainable management of rangelands plays a key role in rangeland health and the opposite leads to degradation with implications for livestock production. This study explores the relationship between rangeland condition and rangeland management practices among champion farmers within grassland and savanna biomes in South Africa Sixty champion farmers, representing diverse livestock enterprises, were selected through workshops involving government officials, researchers, and agricultural organizations. The selected farmers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, to establish their rangeland management strategies. Questions were framed around (i) current state of the rangeland in the farm (ii) farm management strategies (iii) changes over time. The vegetation condition of the farms, was assessed using a combination of ground-based techniques, including cover abundance and step point. Cover abundance was measured in 10 X 20 m plots, while the step point technique utilized 100 m line transects. Data collected from these methods provided insights into veld condition scores, grazing capacity and species diversity. A total of 35 grass species across different ecological groups were identified, with Increaser II species being the most dominant, suggesting previous over-grazing but showing signs of improvement with the presence of Decreaser species such as Themeda triandra. The average grazing capacity was 9.1 ha per large stock unit (LSU), with 72% of farms in good condition, indicated by an average vel d condition score of 60%. These positive outcomes are attributed to the farmers' knowledge and experience in veld management. The farms with moderate rangeland condition, averaging 50% veld condition score, attributed this to limited extension support, land availability, and woody plant invasion. Key findings highlighted the importance of appropriate stocking rates, rotational grazing, and veld resting for sustainable livestock product ion. Overall, this study underscores the critical role of effective grazing management practices in maintaining rangeland health and provides valuable lessons for other farmers in similar biomes.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 770-774. Theme: Theme 4 / Can herbivores be part of the solution? Grazing management for rangeland restoration
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
Savanna
Grasslands
Rangeland Management