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In spite of predictions of communal rangeland collapse due to continuous grazing and increased livestock populations, this grazing system remains prevalent in communal areas, suggesting animals utilise heterogeneity found in these areas. A study was conducted to compare biomass and herbaceous species composition in patches frequently grazed by cattle to randomly selected control sites in three communal areas located in Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Magwiji), Bhisho Thornveld (Mnyameni) and Tsomo Grassland (Cala). The relationship of vegetation parameters in frequently selected patches to the corresponding soil properties, topography and human impact was also examined. Biomass of frequently selected patches was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the dry season (June) at Magwiji (528 kg ha-1) than in less frequently selected patches (130 kg ha-1). There was an association between sites selected in winter and soil organic carbon, and these sites were dominated by Cynodon dactylon and Pennisetum clandestinum. The floristic patterns observed in Magwiji were associated with soil organic carbon content. Low-lying swampy patches had high soil pH in Cala, while mountain top soils in Magwiji had low electrical conductivity and these areas selected in winter were associated with grass species such as Eragrostis superba and Heteropogon contortus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To proffer a sustainable solution to rangeland degradation, an understanding of the innate soil properties is vital. This study investigated the relative association of surface (0-20 cm) soil physicochemical properties, viz. electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, particle size composition, soil aggregate stability and microbial respiration, along a toposequence in two vegetation types. The study sites and vegetation types were Magwiji (Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland) and Upper Mnxe (Tsomo Grassland). In each site, we identified three experimental units along toposequence delineation, classified as crest, midslope and valley bottom. Vegetation type significantly (p < 0.05) affected sand fraction, aggregate stability under fast wetting, and mechanical disaggregation and CEC. Toposequence delineation significantly (p < 0.05) affected fast wetting, slow wetting, mechanical disaggregation, microbial respiration and CEC. There was significant variation and relationship between vegetation types, toposequence delineation and soil properties. The results suggest that toposequence delineation more than vegetation type influences soil property rangelands; therefore, in determining site-specific management techniques for communal rangelands it is important to consider the direction and magnitude of these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing strategies found in communal areas are a result of interactions between social, ecological and institutional factors. To understand the processes in operation, and help in improving management, the perceptions of communal people on institutional structures, utilisation patterns and possible intervention for improving their grazing lands were studied. A more comprehensive understanding of communal rangeland grazing strategies is important as the mere transplanting of large-scale commercial farming management strategies would be met with viability and acceptability constraints. In addition to participatory rural appraisals, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among a sample of 553 households in Amathole, Chris Hani and Ukhahlamba districts of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Although the need for fences and paddocks was highlighted as the best intervention to improve range management in communal areas, lack of strong local-level institutions, little or no knowledge of veld management, absence of rules and lack of seasonal restrictions on rangeland resource use are additional constraints that would minimise the impact of fencing. It is concluded that communal range management remains complex and there is a need to consider socioeconomic and ecological factors, as well as institutional factors, in any planned grazing management intervention. Strengthening of local-level institutions and helping in ways to effectively utilise stockposts and abandoned fields will improve the management of communal rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]