Short-Term Effect of Grazing Exclusion and Uncontrolled Grazing on Species Abundance, Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in an Invaded Area by <i>Euryops floribundus</i> in the Eastern Cape, South Africa — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Short-Term Effect of Grazing Exclusion and Uncontrolled Grazing on Species Abundance, Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in an Invaded Area by <i>Euryops floribundus</i> in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, South Africa
,
Livestock and Poultry Research Center, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
,
Department of Range and Forage Resources, Botswana University of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana
,
Department of Plant Production, Soil Science & Agricultural Engineering, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
,
Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, South Africa
,
Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Queenstown, South Africa
,
Department of Livestock & Pasture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
,
Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Cradock, South Africa
,
Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, South Africa
1 Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, South Africa
2 Livestock and Poultry Research Center, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
3 Department of Range and Forage Resources, Botswana University of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana
4 Department of Plant Production, Soil Science & Agricultural Engineering, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
5 Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, South Africa
6 Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Queenstown, South Africa
7 Department of Livestock & Pasture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
8 Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Cradock, South Africa
9 Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, South Africa
Grazing exclusion (GE) is the most effective rangeland restoration technique which facilitates species diversity and forage quality. This study aimed at assessing short-term impact of GE and continuously grazed rangeland on relative frequency, dry matter yield and nutritive value of dominant grasses in an area invaded by Euryops floribundus . A plot of 2.5 ha was measured and the boundaries demarcated using tape measure and steal pins, the plot was further divided into two subplots of 1ha each which were 5 m apart. One subplot was fenced and protected from grazing livestock, while one subplot was grazed continuously and not fenced. Three parallel belt transects of 100 m × 2 m with 3 m apart were laid out in both subplots. Woody plants occurring within the transects were identified and recorded to determine density. In each subplot, a 0.25 m 2 quadrant measuring was thrown randomly to take detailed records on plant species, relative frequency of species and herbage biomass. Four dominant species at the two sites were harvested to determine the nutritive value. Results indicate that grazing exclusion (GE) facilitates grass species diversity, subsequently sixteen and thirteen grasses species were recorded in the GE and uncontrolled grazed (UG) sites, respectively. Eragrostis chloromelas (21.7%), and Themeda triandra (13.2%) had high relative frequencies in the GE site. Highest biomass production was recorded in the GE site (1400 kg · ha -1 ) compared to UG site (1102 kg · ha -1 ). Crude protein content was relatively lower at UG site (5.4% - 5.8%) as compared to GE site (7.2% - 7.8%). It was concluded that, GE showed a positive impact on a relative frequency (%), dry matter yield and crude protein content. UG creates a conducive environment for Euryops recruitment. Further studies are required to examine the impact of GE in long-term trial setup.
KeywordsDry Matter YieldCrude ProteinNutritive ValueRelative Frequency
Byness, R.C., Eastburn, D.J., Tate, K.W. and Roche, L.M. (2018) A Global Meta-Analysis of Grazing Impacts on Soil Health Indicators. Journal of Environments and Quality, 47, 758-765. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2017.08.0313
Bogunovic, I., Kliak, K., Dugan, I., Grbeša, D., Telak, L.J., Duvnjak, M., Kisic, I., Kapovic, S.M. and Pereira, P. (2022) Grassland Management Impact on Soil Degradation and Herbage Nutritional Value in a Temperate. Humid Environments and Agriculture, 12, Article 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070921
Mamayo, N. (2018) Optimal Spatial and Temporal Utilization of Grassland Resources for Extensive Livestock Production. Master’s Thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
Tokozwayo, S., Thubela, T., Mthi, S., Nyangiwe, N., Khetani, T.L., Gulwa, U., Goni, S., Jansen, M., Qokweni, L. and Guza, B. (2021) Evaluation of Communal Rangeland Condition under the East Qriqualand Veld Type Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Applied Animal Husbandry and Rural Development, 14, 1-8.
Fenetahun, Y., You, Y., Xu, X.W. and Wang, Y.D. (2021) Effects of Grazing Enclosures on Species Diversity, Phenology, Biomass and Carrying Capacity in Borana Rangeland, Southern Ethiopia. Frontiers Ecology and Evolution, 8, Article 623627. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.623627
Shackleton, C.M. and Gambiza, J. (2008) Social and Ecological Trade-Offs in Combating Land Degradation: The Case of Invasion by Woody Shrub (Euryops floribundus) at Machubeni, South Africa. Journal of Land Degradation Development, 19, 454-464. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.849
Solomon, T.B., Mlisa, L. and Gxasheka, M. (2014) Local Perceptions of Livestock Husbandry and Rangeland Degradation in the Highlands of South Africa: Implication for Development Interventions. Journal of Humid Ecology, 47, 257-268. https://doi.org/10.1080/09709274.2014.11906760
Masibonge, G., Tefera, S.T. and Mota, L. (2019) Invasion of Euryops floribundus in Degraded South African Communal Grassland: Unpacking the Invasion Relationship with Elevation, Soil Properties, the Quality and Quantity of the Herbaceous Layer. African Journal of Ecology, 58, 69-79. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12642
Sholto-Douglas, C.M., Shackleton, S., Rawanza, S. and Dold, T. (2017) The Effects of Expansive Shrubs on Plant Species Richness and Soils in Semi-Arid Communal Lands, South Africa. Land Degradation Development, 28, 2191-2206. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2745
Teka, H., Casper, M.I., Angassa, A. and Hassen, A. (2012) Effects of Seasonal Variation on the Nutritional Quality of Key Herbaceous Species in Semi-Arid Areas of Borana, Ethiopia. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, 29, 24-33.
Melek, K., Angassa, A. and Abebe, A. (2019) Aster Effects of Grazing Intensity to Water Source on Grassland Conditions, Yield and Nutritional Content of Selected Grasses in Northwest Ethiopia. Ecological Processes, 8, Article No. 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-019-0162-z
Gudisa, M., Angassa, A., Abebe, A., Feyisa, K. and Mengistu, A. (2020) Effects of Enclosures and Rangeland Ecological Sites on Chemical Composition of Herbaceous Species in South Central Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture and Applied Science, 14, 38-46. https://doi.org/10.37106/bojaas.2020.19
Angassa, A. (2014) Effects of Grazing Intensity and Bush Encroachment on Herbaceous Species and Range Land Condition in Southern Ethiopia. Land Degradation Development, 25, 438-451. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2160
Steinfeld, H., de Haan, C. and Blackburn, H. (1997) Livestock—Environment Interactions: Issues and Options. WREN Media, Fressingfield.
Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (2006) The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Morgenthal, T.L., Malherbe, J., van Zyl, D. and Newby, T.S. (2006) Evaluation of MODIS Satellite Data as an Assessment Tool to Audit the State of Agricultural Resources. ISCW Report No. GW/A/2006/72. ARC-Institute for Soil, Climate and Water, Pretoria.
Tokozwayo, S., Mopipi, K. and Timpong-Jones, E.C. (2021) Influence of Tree Density on Vegetation Composition and Soil Chemical Properties in Savanna Rangeland of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Journal of Agricultural Science, 12, 991-1002. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2021.1210064
Oudsthoorn, F.V. (2012) Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa. 3rd Edition, Briza Publications, Pretoria.
Association of Official Analytical Chemists (1990) Official Methods of Analysis. 13th Edition, Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington DC.
Van Soest, P.J., Robertson, J.B. and Lewies, B.A. (1990) Methods for Dietary Fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber and Non-Starch Polysaccharides in Relation to Animal Nutrition. Journal Dairy Science, 74, 3583-3597. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(91)78551-2
Statistical Analysis System (2003) Statistical Analysis System of System. Institute Inc. Users Guide, Cary.
Gusha, J., Masocha, B. and Mugabe, P.H. (2017) Impact of Grazing System on Rangeland Condition and Grazing Capacity in Zambabwe. The Rangeland Journal, 39, 219-225. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ15130
Guo, T., Lio, H.R. and Tuvshintogtokh, I. (2020) Effects of Grazing Exclusion by on Vegetation Characteristics and Community Diversity of Mongolian Grasslands. Applied Ecology and Environments Research, 18, 6995-7009. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1805_69957009
Gemedo, D. (2020) Evaluation of Forage Quantity and Quality in the Semi-Arid Borana Lowlands, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia. Tropical Grasslands and Forrajes, 8, 72-85. https://doi.org/10.17138/tgft(8)72-85
Richter, C.G.F., Syman, H.A. and Smit, G.N. (2001) The Influence of Tree Density on the Grass Layer of Three Semi-Arid Savanna Types of Southern Africa. African Journal of Range and Forage Science, 18, 103-109. https://doi.org/10.2989/10220110109485762
Beeskow, A., Elissalde, N.O. and Rostagno, C.M. (1995) Ecosystem Changes Associated with Grazing Intensity on the Punta Ninfas Rangelands of Patagonia, Argentina. Journal of Range Management, 48, 517-522. https://doi.org/10.2307/4003063
Angassa, A. and Oba, G. (2010) Effects of Grazing Pressure, Age of Enclosures and Seasonality on Bush Cover Dynamics and Vegetation Composition Is Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Arid Environments, 74, 111-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2009.07.015
Oba, G., Vetaas, O.R. and Stensteth, N.C. (2001) Relationship between Biomass and Plant Species Richness in Arid-Zone Grazing Lands. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38, 836-846. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2664.2001.00638.x
Mwalyosi, R.B.B. (2000) Vegetation Changes following Land Reclamation in the Kondoa Eroded Area, Central Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology, 38, 265-268. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2028.2000.00257.x
Abule, E., Snyman, H.A. and Smit, G.N. (2007) Rangeland Evaluation in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia: II. Woody Vegetation. Journal of Arid Environments, 70, 272-292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.01.007
Keba, H.T., Madakadzel, I.C., Angassa, A. and Hassen, N. (2013) Nutritive Value of Grasses in Semi-Arid Rangelands of Ethiopia: Local Experience Based Herbage Preference Evaluation versus Laboratory Analysis. Asian-Austrian Journal of Animal Science, 26, 366-377. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2012.12551
Mahala, A.G., Nsahlai, I.V., Basha, N.A. and Mohammed, D. (2009) Nutritive Evaluation of Natural Pasture at Early and Late Rainfall Season in Kordofan, Butana and Sudan. Austrian Basic Applied Science, 3, 4327-4332.
Timpong-Jones, E.C., Adjorlolo, L.K. and Ayizanga, R.A. (2015) The Impact of Harvest Frequency on Herbage Yield and Quality of Cynodon nlemfuensis. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 23, 7-15.
Mutanga, O., Prins, H.H.T., Skidmore, A.K., Van Wieren, S., Huizing, H., Grant, R., Peel, M. and Biggs, H. (2004) Explaining Grass Nutrient in Savannah Rangeland of Southern Africa. Journal of Biogeography, 31, 819-829. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2004.01072.x
Kraaij, T. and Ward. D. (2006) Effects of Rain, Nitrogen, Fire and Grazing on Tree Recruitment and Early Survival in Bush-Encroached Savanna, South Africa. Plant Ecology, 186, 235-246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-006-9125-4
Van Auken, O.W. (2009) Causes and Consequences of Woody Plant Encroachment into Western North American Grasslands. Journal of Environments and Economic Management, 90, 2931-2942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2009.04.023
Tokozwayo, S. (2016) Evaluation Farmers’ Perceptions and the Impact of Tree Encroachment on Herbaceous Vegetation and Soil Nutrients at Sheshegu Communal Rangelands of the Eastern Cape. Master’s Thesis, University of Fort Hare, East London.