Browsing by Author "Mapako, Leslie"
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Item Assessment of vegetation diversity and rangeland condition in the Highveld communal grazing lands of Swaziland(2011) Mapako, LeslieDetermination of correct stocking rate based on current rangeland condition still remains a big challenge to livestock farmers. Assessment of vegetation diversity and current rangeland condition was carried out in four communal rangelands, namely Siphocosini, Hawane, Motshane and Nkhaba. The rangeland condition assessment method employed in this study was the ecological condition index (ECI) method. Grass species composition and dry matter were estimated using the point-intercept method and the direct harvest method using a metal frame (quadrat) respectively. Vegetation diversity was high. A total of 16 grass species were identified. Of these, 9 species were strong perennials and the remaining 7 were annuals. In addition, 5 species were identified as highly palatable, 6-moderately palatable and 4-less palatable species