Communal property association lands: Tree species as a potential source of nutrients for livestock and a threat to herbaceous layer in selected CPAs of Waterberg district, South Africa

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate tree species density, canopy cover and nutritive value of bulked browse species in selected CPAs of Waterberg district, South Africa. These selected CPAs, (Mawela (Hutton- clay loam: HCL), Bela-Bela (Hutton-clay: HL), Moretele (Hutton-loamy sand: HLS) and Ramorula (Ecca sand-clay loam: ESCL) are all situated in Bela-Bela municipality, South Africa. Three 200 m transects served as replicates were laid 50 m apart from each other in each of the three camps per CPA. In each of the three transects per camp, sub-trasects were marked at 50 m interval (50, 100,150 and 200 m) to create four 10×10 m homogenous vegetative units making a total 12 HVUs per camp. Woody species density, total tree equivalent, height and canopy cover (CC) were recorded. Harvested leaves were bulked and ground to be analysed for nutritive value. Hutton-loamy sand soil type had high (P<0.05) total plant density (4300 plants/ha), CC (55.78%) and total tree equivalent (5068.9 plant/ha) compared to other soil types. Bulked leaves from ESCL soil type had the highest (P<0.05) crude protein (140.57 g/kg DM). HCL had higher (P<0.05) soluble phenols (599.9 gTAE/kg) and condensed tannins (1.05 AU550/200 mg). Bulked leaves from all soil types had a great potential in being a good cheap protein source for livestock as they had high protein content and dry matter degradability. Due to the highest number of woody species (seedlings and matured trees), it is of paramount importance to manage the high tree population present in certain CPAs so as to promote growth of the herbaceous layer as the ruminant primary feed source.