Wild herbivore grazing preferences for sites on illuvial soils, as opposed to eluvial or sandy soils, were explained in terms of differences in the crude protein content of Panicum maximum, P. deustum and Themeda triandra growing on the several sites; but differences in P, Ca, Mg, K and Na were not thought important. However, significant differences in protein content between grasses growing on the same site indicated that species selection preferences might also affect choice of grazing site. A high protein content maintained by/*, maximum on generally infertile soils was apparently due to localised soil enrichment by woody plants. Management suggestions were made towards correction of imbalances in the grazing utilisation pattern in the Reserve.
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.