Botanical data were collected for the period 1970 to 1985 from the experimental farm unit at Massakloutjie in the Kalahari duneveld of the north?western Cape Province (Veld type no. 16a4, Acocks, 1975). Rainfall during the trial period varied between 111 mm (1982–83) and 593 mm (1973–74). The total plant basal cover ranged from 2,39 % (1983) to 6, 17% (1977). The cyclical nature of the rainfall, with a sequence of wet and dry cycles, was reflected in the botanical composition of the duneveld. Group A species (highly desirable decreaser species) form the dominant component (up to 90 %) during dry cycles because of their drought tolerance. During wet cycles the Group B, C and D species (less useful to poor increaser species) increase more rapidly than do the decreaser species and may comprise as much as 50 % of the botanical composition. Because of this cyclical pattern in botanical composition (or relative cover), absolute cover provides a more reliable index of relative veld condition than botanical composition.
The data from these trials suggest that it is possible to develop economically and biologically acceptable livestock systems for the Kalahari duneveld, provided realistic stocking rates are used.
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.