Simple-Earth's Veld Analysis

This page serves as a data collection point from our own perspective only. We want to be able to identify and protect species that requie it, but also know the benefits and risks of each type to both humans and animals.
The list is incomplete, and will take a long time to establish by hand. Lastly, errors may be present as a result of confusable or unconfirmed species.

Veld plants respond differently to grazing pressure. Understanding these categories helps us, and perhaps you to assess veld health and adjust stocking rates or grazing management.
You can see our veld scoring system here, if you'd like.

Definition: Palatable, high-quality plants that decrease in abundance under heavy grazing pressure.

Characteristics:

• Highly sought after by livestock
• Nutritious and palatable
• Slow to recover from overgrazing
• Indicate good veld condition when abundant

Examples at Windhelm: Pentzia incana (ankerkaroo), Salsola spp. (gannabos), Cadaba aphylla (swartstorm), Agathosma/Diosma spp. (karoo boegoe - absent)

Management: Presence indicates you're managing well. Loss indicates overstocking or poor rotation.

Definition: Plants that increase in abundance under grazing pressure. Split into two types:

Increaser I - Moderately palatable:

• Eaten when preferred species depleted
• Increase under moderate grazing
• Can still provide nutrition

Examples: Galenia africana (kraalbos), some Pteronia species

Increaser II - Unpalatable:

• Avoided by livestock
• Increase under heavy grazing
• Low nutritional value
• Indicate veld degradation

Examples: Chrysocoma species (bitterbos), Elytropappus rhinocerotis (rhinobush when mature)

Management: Dominance of Increaser II species = red flag. Reduce stocking, improve rotation, consider mechanical/fire management.

Definition: Plants not originally part of the veld ecosystem, often woody.

Characteristics:

• Exploit disturbance and overgrazing
• Often unpalatable
• Compete with indigenous species
• Reduce carrying capacity

Examples at Windhelm: Eucalyptus spp. (gumtree), possibly some Acacia species (pending identification)

Management: Active removal or control needed. Goats can browse seedlings but won't control established plants.

Veld condition assessment checklist:

• Walk your camps (or whatever you call the large zones) quarterly
• Note dominant species in each area
• High decreasers = excellent condition (stay here)
• Balanced mix = good condition (Still try to improve a little bit, can't hurt)
• Increaser I dominance = moderate condition, adjust management (can still be saved, especially if the rain is OK)
• Increaser II dominance = poor condition, urgent intervention needed (this is already a dodgy spot to be in)
• Heavy invader presence = degraded, requires active restoration (you don't really want to be here as it takes great effort and many years)

For our Goats|Cape Lob Ears: They're browsers, and so they can help manage some Increaser II species, but don't rely on them alone. Rotation and rest periods are critical!

Indigenous, Native and Invader species but not cropped/planted by us.