Email this article 
Hide
Show all
Original Research
Acacia tortilis subsp. heteracantha productivity in the Tugela Dry Valley Bushveld: preliminary results
Submitted: 04 November 1983 | Published: 06 November 1983
About the author(s)
S. J. Milton,, South AfricaFull Text:
PDF (1MB)Abstract
Acacia tortilis Hayne subsp. heteracantha (Burch.) Brenan dominates secondary succession in the Tugela Dry Valley Bushveld of the Natal midlands. The parts of KwaZulu in this veld type are impoverished, overpopulated and over-grazed. Preliminary results indicate that at a density of 2 700 ± 600 trees/ha there is a standing crop of c.2,87 t/ha (DM) of acacia twigs suitable for hand pruning and milling into fodder, but that this is a costly process. Herbage biomass peaked at 0,73 t/ha (DM). Veld condition assessments suggested a stocking rate of|0,l AU/ha (grazers), but actual grazer stocking rates may be many times this density. It is recommended that the browser/grazer ratio be altered to make use of the c. 1,05 t/ha (DM) of shoot growth produced annually by A. tortilis subsp. heteracantha.
Keywords
Metrics
Total abstract views: 2886Total article views: 2850
Crossref Citations
1. Review article: Vegetative growth, reproduction, browse production and response to tree clearing of woody plants in African savanna
G.N. Smit, N.F.G. Rethman, A. Moore
African Journal of Range & Forage Science vol: 13 issue: 2 first page: 78 year: 1996
doi: 10.1080/10220119.1996.9647902
2. Effects of water, grass and N on responses of Acacia karroo seedlings to early wet season simulated browsing: Leaf N, fibre and tannin concentrations
P.F. Scogings, K. Mopipi
Journal of Arid Environments vol: 72 issue: 9 first page: 1666 year: 2008
doi: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2008.03.008
3. Research note: Tests for inducible thorn defences against herbivory must consider plant growth strategies
J.J. Midgley, D. Ward
African Journal of Range & Forage Science vol: 13 issue: 2 first page: 75 year: 1996
doi: 10.1080/10220119.1996.9647901
4. Rapid chemical responses of Acacia karroo to early dormant season defoliation in a semi-arid subtropical savanna
P.F. Scogings
Journal of Arid Environments vol: 62 issue: 2 first page: 225 year: 2005
doi: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2004.11.012
5. Savanna tree influence on understory vegetation and soil nutrients in northwestern Kenya
Jake F. Weltzin, Michael B. Coughenour
Journal of Vegetation Science vol: 1 issue: 3 first page: 325 year: 1990
doi: 10.2307/3235707
6. Thorn trees and the quality of life in Msinga∗
Sue J Milton, Creina Bond
Social Dynamics vol: 12 issue: 2 first page: 64 year: 1986
doi: 10.1080/02533958608458407
7. The effects of pruning on shoot production and basal increment of Acacia tortilis
S.J. Milton
South African Journal of Botany vol: 54 issue: 2 first page: 109 year: 1988
doi: 10.1016/S0254-6299(16)31339-4
8. Effects of water, grass and N on responses of Acacia karroo seedlings to early wet season simulated browsing: Aboveground growth and biomass allocation
P.F. Scogings, K. Mopipi
Journal of Arid Environments vol: 72 issue: 4 first page: 509 year: 2008
doi: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.08.002
9. Effects of harvesting on four species of forest ferns in South Africa
Suzanne J. Milton
Biological Conservation vol: 41 issue: 2 first page: 133 year: 1987
doi: 10.1016/0006-3207(87)90116-9
10. Sg- Continuity in Topological Spaces.
Halgwrd Darwesh, Nawroz Hassan
Journal of Zankoy Sulaimani - Part A vol: 17 issue: 3 first page: 51 year: 2015
doi: 10.17656/jzs.10400