Simplified techniques for assessing range condition for livestock production: An example from Ciskei

Abstract

In the past, the only available techniques for assessing range condition in Ciskei were laborious and required specialist knowledge. Simplified techniques were developed specifically for use by extension officers and fanners in Ciskei. The techniques are for the herbaceous layer and the woody layer, and both are practical, rapid and easy to use and are best used simultaneously. The vegetation of Ciskei was stratified and data were collected for sites of different range condition in each stratum. Point surveys were conducted in the herbaceous layer and quadrat surveys in the woody layer. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine key ecological species and key forage species for the herbaceous layer, while photographs that represent different range conditions were identified for the woody layer.