An Investigation into Species Composition and Dry Matter Production Change after Brush Cutting and Herbicide Treatment in Pteronia Pallens and P. Paniculata Dominated Karroid Broken Veld

OVERVIEW

SERVICES

PROJECTS

NEWS

SPEECHES

PUBLICATIONS

COMMITTEES

PUBLIC ENTITIES

FACILITIES

CONTACT

OBJECTIVE:	This research aims to evaluate the long term effect of the removal or delay of competition by the dominant unpalatable species, on: plant species compositions plant dry matter production changes in the soil. It also aims to understand the changes taking place in the plant community as a result of the treatments, through seed bank studies. And aims to compare a September sistemic herbicide-application with a November contact herbicide application and brush cutting.
START:	2001
END:	2006
STATUS:	Underway
DESCRIPTION:	Pteronia pallens and P. paniculata are unpalatable species that dominate the veld in large parts of the Little Karoo. They normally increase as a result of overgrazing and, because of their longevity, are not easily replaced by more palatable plant species. In this project, the effect that brush cutting has on the plant community is tested at two different heights, namely 5cm and 20cm above ground level, as well as a second brush cutting four years after the first. In a smaller fenced area, different herbicides are compared with one another, as well as with the brush cutting at the mentioned heights. For more information, contact: Nelmarié Visser Tel: 021 808 5330 nelmariev@elsenburg.com
BUDGET:	R65,000
SPONSORED BY:	Owner / Sponsor: Technology, Research and Development (Department of Agriculture, Provincial Government of the Western Cape)

The content on this page was last updated on 23 February 2004

Cape Gateway is a government service aimed primarily at citizens of the Western Cape, providing information on local, provincial and national government