Creating a record sheet will help the farmer capture the important data when monitoring the veld
Veld records must be kept to evaluate the reaction of the veld under different treatments which have been carried out according to the veld management system, taking into account the reaction of the stock.
As discussed earlier, veld management aims to establish and maintain a plant cover of the desired density and composition. To succeed in this aim, clear norms must be set so that the present state of the veld can be judged against the most desirable condition it wishes to attain. This then demands knowledge concerning the vegetation, the process of succession, the production and effective soil and water conservation. With the help of veld records, it is possible to determine whether veld deterioration or veld improvement has resulted.
Records of Veld Condition
This aspect has been dealt with broadly in previous units where focus has been placed on how to evaluate the condition of the veld and determine the capacity of an area and will be further elucidated with the help of veld condition evaluation forms.
Monitoring the overall production of the veld and whether or not the vegetation is changing, or the production is decreasing, is an important factor in determining the specific management objectives.
Records of Resting and Grazing Treatments
Keeping a record of grazing and resting practices ensures better management to avoid over-grazing and over-utilisation of the veld
Veld Treatment Records
In the previous discussions, an indication has been given of the analysis of veld changes over a long period. It is certainly of great value to keep records of the reaction of the veld under definite resting and grazing treatments over short periods. This can be done through making judicious observations in respect of:
A. The Vigour of the Veld
The vigour of the veld, judged in terms of rate and degree of regrowth taking into account the prevailing climatic conditions, gives a good indication of the influence of the particular treatments on the vegetation. As a result of mismanagement, the vigour of the veld is reduced, and its productive capacity lessens.
Keeping a record of certain indicator species can be an effective method in monitoring the condition of the veld and maintaining the vigour of the veld. Without records, the condition of the key indicator species before grazing will not be possible to be closely monitored.
B. The Efficiency of Utilisation
The efficiency of utilisation is judged on grounds of the degree of uniformity of use, that is, the degree of selective grazing that occurs and the intensity of grazing or the length (shortness) to which it is grazed. It is also important to note the degree to which stock will prefer certain species at particular times and how certain species are defoliated during the grazing period.
C. The Life History (Phenology) of Grazing Plants
Definite rests are given to provide certain requirements of the veld. By regular phenological observations including those such as time of seeding and establishment of seedlings, important information can be gleaned based on which rest periods may be made more effective.
The different aspects concerning veld records as described depend on careful observation. For this reason, norms must be established so that the different assessment classes of the particular standards can be taken into account to ensure that the same standards are applied throughout.
A further suggestion to assist in obtaining greater accuracy in observation when evaluating the veld is to keep photographic records. One or more observation points can be marked in each camp by driving in an iron pole at each point (about 1 metre high) on which the camera can always be placed. At a distance of three to four metres, in an easterly or westerly direction, a marker peg is driven into the ground so that it just juts out above the surface. The purpose of this is to place a slate or a piece of blackboard against it with the camp number and the date of the photograph in large legible letters on it. Placing the marker pegs in a westerly or easterly direction from the iron pole ensures that if the photographs are taken in the morning or afternoon, the sun’s rays will fall on the boards and the details will then be easily visible.
Photos of the vegetative cover during different years can then be compared to determine what changes have taken place in the veld. Very useful information can also be obtained from taking photos at the beginning and end of grazing periods to show the effects of particular grazing treatments. Photos of resting camps taken at intervals during the rest period will give a good indication of the effect of the rest period.
Fire Management Records
Keeping track of fire management and which areas or camps have been burned is part of successful fire management
A record needs to be kept of fire management on a farm. As we have already discussed in previous units, some areas may benefit from veld fires every few years depending on a variety of factors. While others do not require fire as a management tool. Please refer back to the unit on the Removal of Excess Herbage as well.
Unfortunately, not all fires are planned, and some may occur accidentally or without the farmer’s permission. Keeping a record of these fires is still important as grazing and resting of these specific camps will have to be adjusted to facilitate a period of recovery for the burned veld.