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Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands

Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2010.

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Other Authors: Van Niekerk, Willem A.
Format: Thesis
Published: University of Pretoria 2013
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Van Niekerk, Willem A.
author_browse Van Niekerk, Willem A.
author_facet Van Niekerk, Willem A.
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2009, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
format Thesis
id oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/27304
institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:40:07.894Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2013
publishDateRange 2013
publishDateSort 2013
publisher University of Pretoria
publisherStr University of Pretoria
record_format dspace
source_str UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/27304 Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands Van Niekerk, Willem A. Rethman, N.F.G. trove@vodamail.co.za Wilcock, Trove Elizabeth S. microphylla Species Rehabilitation C. sturtii UCTD Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2010. Aspects, which influence the choice of species for the rehabilitation of degraded arid areas, were studied. Although only one trial was established in the target area (transition area between the Succulent and Nama Karoo) seed of the indigenous species used was collected from this area. In the initial trials the effect of rumen digestion on the germination of fodder shrubs was observed. Species included the exotic Atriplex nummularia and Cassia sturtii, and the indigenous Sutherlandia microphylla, Tetragonia calycina, Tripteris sinuatum and Salsola glabrescens. No seed of T. calycina germinated. In T. sinuatum and S. glabrescens rumen digestion prevented germination while in the other species percentage germination was reduced. In the establishment trial with A. nummularia and C. sturtti, on a bare area onfarm, in the arid Northern Cape Province, no seed germinated. Observations showed that, for both species, protection is essential, where the risk of herbivory is high. Of the two species, C. sturtti shrubs appeared to be more drought tolerant. A further trial addressed the intra-species variation in the palatability of A. nummularia. Established shrubs of the F1 “elite” generation were browsed by sheep. The most palatable shrubs were identified and seed from these shrubs will be used to produce seedlings that will go into further selection trials. The final section of this study was a comparison, in terms of quantity, quality and re-growth, of C. sturtii, T. sinuatum and S. microphylla, at, and subsequent to, five different harvest dates. In the first three harvests no significant differences were observed in the total plant material produced, between the three species. In Harvest 5 both indigenous species had produced more edible material (leaf and <3mm stem material) than C. sturtii. The edible material of Harvests 1, 3 and 5, was analysed for crude protein content, in vitro digestibility and mineral concentrations. All three species had sufficient crude protein as well as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, to meet maintenance requirements of sheep. Trace minerals, manganese and copper, were present in adequate amounts and toxicity could be more of a concern. The concentrations of zinc in all three species, however, were only sufficient in material obtained in Harvests 1 and 3. Re-growth of all shrubs 21 weeks after Harvest 5 was assessed in terms of survival, healthiness, leafiness, volume and dry matter production. C. sturtii shrubs harvested at a later stage in the initial trial had the best survival. For most re-growth periods, C. sturtii shrubs also appeared healthier and leafier than the indigenous species. S. microphylla seedlings had, however, established in the S. microphylla plots, which was a plus for that species. Copyright Plant Production and Soil Science unrestricted 2013-09-07T11:09:41Z 2010-08-16 2013-09-07T11:09:41Z 2010-04-21 2010-08-16 2010-08-16 Dissertation Wilcock, TE 2009, Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands, MScAgric dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27304 > E10/408/gm http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27304 http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-08162010-194751/ © 2009, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle S. microphylla
Species
Rehabilitation
C. sturtii
UCTD
Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands
title Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands
title_full Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands
title_fullStr Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands
title_full_unstemmed Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands
title_short Use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands
title_sort use of selected fodder shrubs in the reclamation of degraded arid rangelands
topic S. microphylla
Species
Rehabilitation
C. sturtii
UCTD
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27304
http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-08162010-194751/