A comparative study of three veld types of the Northern Cape: Species evaluation and yield1

Abstract

Abstract A comparative study was undertaken of the grass component of the three main veld types of the Vryburg district; namely Sand veld, Dolomite veld and Lime veld. Results indicate that different species within the same veld type and the same species in different veld types differ in their dry matter production, digestibility and digestible organic matter production. Botanical composition and basal cover also varied between veld types. Veld types also differ in DM yields, digestibility and DOM yield. The average digestibility of all species at three growth stages (leafy, flowering and mature) was 48,7% in sand veld, 54,8% in dolomite veld and 54,7% in lime veld. The average dry matter production and digestible organic matter production per m2 at three growth stages were 2 083,9 g and 844,5 g in Sand veld, 2 108,6 g and 952,5 g Dolomite veld, and 1 776,0 g and 808,8 g in Lime veld, respectively. The possibility of deficiencies of Zn, Cu and P is indicated in all three veld types. The percentage basal c...