Get reliable rangeland science

There is a need for objective standards of veld condition assessment in South Africa. The alternative practical criteria of condition are examined and their field application is evaluated. Examples of quality, productivity and acceptability ratings are quoted from local research. A simple score sheet is suggested. The selection and use of ecological benchmark sites are proposed and interpretation of scoresheet results relative to benchmarks is explained. The requirements of a meaningful field assessment procedure are considered. The definition of ?desirable species? on the basis of perenniality, productivity and acceptability, is compared with the uses of the concepts of ?climax? and ?decreaser? species.