Bibliography: Land Degradation in South Africa project

veld condition in the Karoo. Proceedings of the Grassland Society of southern

Africa 17:84-89, 1982.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : VELD CONDITION

Abstract : The results of a previous study were used for the development of the

Ecological Index Method (EIM) of veld condition assessment in the Karoo areas.

The EIM makes use of a veld benchmark, which must be previously identified and

characterised on each topographical unit in each Reasonably Homogenous Farming

Area. As a result of the process of retrogression of the veld in the Karoo

areas, five different ecological groups of plants are identified, namely

Decreasers, Increasers II (a), Increasers II (b), Increasers II (c) and

Invaders. A relative index value is allocated to each ecological group. The

operation of the EIM is illustrated by the use of the data of four sites in

different veld condition classes on the same topographical unit in the

Grassridge Basin Area. A rapid method of veld condition assessment with the EIM

for extensive surveys is also proposed.

Ref ID : 1085

2090. Vorster, M. Livestock production systems and problems in the Karoo. A

paper delivered at the Arid Zone Ecology Forum Research Meeting on 25 November

1991 at Elsenburg Agricultural Development Institute, Stellenbosch, South

Africa. 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION; NAMA KAROO; KAROO DESERTIFICATION

Notes : The author concludes that the stability and profitability of small stock

production in the Karoo will, in the long run, largely depend on farming with

adapted stock breeds. In addition, it will be necessary that farmers practise

more extensive production systems which are in line with environmental

conditions so that unnecessary external supplementation can be avoided as far as

possible.

Ref ID : 996

2091. Vorster, M. Sustainable commercial stock farming in the arid parts of the

Karoo in the Republic of South Africa. Paper delivered at the Arid Zone Ecology

Forum at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, Middelburg on 28

September 1993. 1993.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE; NAMA KAROO; RAINFALL

Notes : For the purposes of this paper, the author concentrates on the western

and northwestern parts of the Karoo Agricultural Region of the Department of

Agriculture (excluding the relative high rainfall parts viz. Burgersdorp,

Venterstad, Steynsburg, Middelburg, Hofmeyr, Cradock, Graaff-Reinet, Pearston

and Somerset East.). He concludes that it is of the utmost importance that the

farming community, the Department of Agriculture and other institutions such as

universities, the Agricultural Research Council, breeding societies, marketing

boards, municipalities, banks etc., must come together to explore ways and means

to establish a healthy and vigorous stock farming industry. If this cannot be

done, the consequences will be disastrous for the country as a whole.

Ref ID : 986

2092. Vorster, M. Sustainable commercial stock farming in the arid parts of the

Karoo. Karoo Agric 6(1):20-24, 1994.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE; NAMA KAROO

Notes : The author concludes that it is of the utmost importance that the

farming community, the Department of Agriculture and other institutions

(universities, the Africultural Research Council, breeders' societies, marketing

boards, municipalities, etc.) come together and explore ways and means of

establishing a healthy and vigorous stock farming industry. If this cannot be

established, the consequences will be disastrous for the country as a whole.

Ref ID : 966

2093. Vorster, M., Becker, H.R., and Greyling, J.S. Ordination of land types in

the karoo region into reasonably homogenous farming areas based on vegetation

and environmental factors. Journal of the Grassland Society of southern Africa

4(1):13-17, 1987.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : VELD MANAGEMENT; VELD CONDITION; CLIMATE; PRODUCTION POTENTIAL

Abstract : The 291 preliminary land types in the Karoo Rgion formed the basis

for the demarcation of the 144 Reasonably Homogeneous Farming Areas (RHFAs).

The land tyeps were firstly reduced to 23 Floristic Climatic Regions (FCRs)

according to character species for certain macroclimatic conditions. The

character species were identified by means of computer classification and

ordination techniques (PHYTOTAB, TWINSPAN and DECORANA). About 22 soil forms and

numerous soil series were found in the Karoo Region. Based on differences in

the inherent veld production potential and erodibility of the different soils,

as well as differences in slope, nine Veld Soil Potential Classes (VSPCs) were

synthesised. The land types in each of the FCRs were, lastly, consolidated

according to their similarity in terms of macroclimate and dominant

topographical units and VSPCs, into RHFAs.

Ref ID : 1546

2094. Vorster, M., Blom, C.D., du Toit, G.v., and Immelman, W.I. Handleiding vir

die praktiese toepassing van die ekologiese indeksmetode (E.I.M.) vir die

evaluasie van die veld in die Karoogebiede.Anonymous Middelburg:Agricultural

Development Institute. :1-6, 1982.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : VELD CONDITION; KAROO DESERTIFICATION; NAMA KAROO; MONITORING;

CARRYING CAPACITY; CLIMATE; METHODOLOGIES; CLIMATE CHANGE; DESERTIFICATION

ASSESSMENT

Notes : This paper sets out a systematic, step-by-step approach which should be

followed with implementing the Ecological Index Method (EIM). The quantitative

method is described. This method may be more accurate, but is slower and thus

more suited to research objectives where distinctions between appropriate ways

to deal with different veld types must be made. It is also desirable that

evaluations are repeated in the same seasons on successive years in order to

determine the effects of climate. In Karoo areas, autumn will no doubt be the

optimal season for evaluation. Due to fluctuating climatic conditions in the

Karoo areas, changes in veld conditions are unavoidable. Therefore, it is

essential that determination of progress or deterioration of veld is not

proclaimed on the basis of short-term research.

Ref ID : 964

2095. Vorster, M., Botha, P., and Hobson, F.O. The utilization of karoo veld by

livestock. Proceedings of the Grassland Society of southern Africa 18:35-39,

1983.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : GRAZING EFFECTS; NAMA KAROO; VELD MANAGEMENT; VELD CONDITION;

STOCKING RATE

Abstract : Three major utilization strategies: correct stocking rates;

application of rotational grazing; and diversification of stock, for effective

utilization of the veld in the Karoo areas, are discussed in terms of their

importnace, associated problems and possible solutions to the problems. The

formulation of these utilization strategies are based on research which was

carried out in the Karoo areas.

Ref ID : 1440

2096. Vorster, M. and du Toit, G. Die ekologiese indeksmetode vir die evaluasie

van veldtoestant in die Karoo en Soetgrasveld dele.Anonymous

Middleburg:Landbounavorsingsinstituut van die Karoostreek. :2-11, 1982.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : VELD CONDITION; KAROO DESERTIFICATION; METHODOLOGIES; DESERTIFICATION

ASSESSMENT

Notes : The first method to determine veld conditions and the succession status

of the Karoo was developed by Van den Berg & Roux (1974). Due to the fact that

this method has some limitations, it was decided to attempt an in-depth study of

the subject of development of a more accurate method for such determination.

This study was initiated in the Grassridge district, east of Middelburg, Cape.

This paper describes the resulting ecological index (EIM) method of veld

evaluation.

Ref ID : 896

2097. Vorster, M. and du Toit, G. Ekologiese indeksmetode: 'n Maklike metode vir

weiveld-evaluasie/Ecological index methods: an easy method to evaluate grazing

land. Golden Fleece :43-45, 1985.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : VELD CONDITION

Notes : The authors state that it is important to be able to determine and

monitor veld conditions and current grazing capacity on a farm. It is only

through such practices that veld rehabilitation can be ascertained and veld

degradation can be prevented. The authors have devised a reliable technique,

the Ecological Index Method (EIM), which is easy to use, which they describe in

this article.

Ref ID : 965

2098. Vorster, M. and Roux, P.W. Veld of the karoo areas. Proceedings of the

Grassland Society of southern Africa 18:18-24, 1983.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : NAMA KAROO; PRODUCTION POTENTIAL; STATISTICS; AGRICULTURAL

PRODUCTION; VELD CONDITION; RAINFALL

Abstract : The Karoo areas are generally arid to semi-arid with rainfall varying

from less than 100 mm in the west to 400 mm in the east. The topography is

mainly flat to undulating and the soils generally shallow and stony. There are

16 veld types present. Typical Karoo veld is characterised by a dominant sparse

to dense short shrubby vegetation (karoo bushes), interspersed to a variable

degree, by short grass species and taller shrubs. Succulents are dominant in

certain parts. These constituents exhibit different phenological rhythms of

which the karoo bushes are largely vernal and autumnal and the grass aestival.

Fodder and nutrition supply varies according to season and rainfall. A large

number of insect pests afflict Karoo vegetation. Stock diseases and

physiological disturbances caused by a certain species, are prevalent. Merino

and Dorper sheep are the main defoliating agents of Karoo veld.

Ref ID : 1896

2099. Vosloo, J.L. Gebreke in landboubeleid en wetgewing. Veld Trust Conference

on the conservation status of agricultural resources in the RSA. Du Preez,

J.F.Anonymous Pretoria:Unisa. , 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : POLICY; CONSERVATION; LEGISLATION; POPULATION

Notes : Agricultural policies relevant to farming and conservation are contained

in legislation and White Papers, as well as in other state institutions. The

main question to be asked is, to what extent does legislation succeed in, or

contribute to the success of conserving the environment. If papers at this

conference can be judged as some barometer, it would appear that either

legislation, or its implementation is not successful enough in its aims. The

author of this paper intends to show that the general population is not overly

concerned with the conditions of the environment and as such, it is not mindful

in working within the constraints put in place by legislation. The result can

only be, as indicated, a deterioration of the conservation status in agriculture

and the environment.

Ref ID : 879

2100. Vosloo, J.L. and Koch, B.H. The conservation and utilisation of natural

resources. Unpublished paper presented to S. Afr. Soc.Agric. Ext. Conf.,

Bloemfontein, May, 5-7, pp. 14. 1992.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

Ref ID : 927

2101. Wadley, L., Esterhuysen, A., and Jeannerat, C. Vegetation changes in the

eastern Orange Free State: the Holocene and later Pleistocene evidence from

charcoal studies at Rose Cottage Cave. South African Journal of Science 88:558-

563, 1992.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : PALAEOENVIRONMENTS; ARCHAEOLOGY; FREE STATE; GRASSLAND; VEGETATION

CHANGE; ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY; FYNBOS

Abstract : Charcoal from the Holocene and later Pleistocene deposits of Rose

Cottage Cave is analysed here. The identified taxa suggest that Holocene woody

vegetation was within the modern range for the Landybrand area, that is, scrub

thicket with some woodland taxa. The later Pleistocene vegetation comprised

heathland (Fynbos) dominated by Protea.

Ref ID : 995

2102. Wahl, E.J. and Mazel, A.D. An annotated bibliography of popular

archaeological writing in South Africa. Natal Museum Journal of Humanities 7:51-

85, 1995.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : BIBLIOGRAPHY; ARCHAEOLOGY

Notes : This bibliography is intended to assist archaeologists and

educationalists who are interested in informing the public, including school

pupils, about archaeology and southern Africa's pre- and early colonial history.

No previous bibliographies are written for popular consumption. There is a

growing interest in public education amongst some archaeologists and

educationalists and this bibliography will inform them about the increasing body

of published information relevant to the subject.

Ref ID : 1162

2103. Waldmeir, P. Desert devastation. Eastern Province Herald , 1984.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT; KAROO DESERTIFICATION; FOREST; SAVANNA;

SOUTHERN AFRICA; DROUGHT

Notes : At the beginning of the 19th century, 8000 slaves were reputed to be

needed to cut a path through dense forests separating two kingdoms situated in

the country now called Chad. Now this area is an arid savanna and like the

metastasis of a cancer, patches of dusty wastelands are springing up through

Africa, from desperately poor Mauritania in the west to Somalia in the Indian

Ocean, from famine-hit Ethiopia in the north to the normally less precarious

farmlands of Kenya and Tanzania. Even in southern Africa, three years of

drought have cut the region's coarse grains crop to 10,4 million tons in 1984,

less than half the 22,5 million tons harvested in 1981 (the last drought-free

year). In Mozambique 100 000 people have died as a result of famine thus far

with deaths continuing at a rate of between four and five a day in the

Mossaurize district.

Ref ID : 2272

2104. Walker, B.H. Bush encroachment in South Africa - an ecological overview.

Proceedings of a workshop on bush encroachment and bush thickening held in

Pretoria. Pienaar, A.J.Anonymous Pretoria:Department of Agriculture and

Fisheries. :H1-H18, 1980.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : BUSH ENCROACHMENT

Ref ID : 1201

2105. Walker, D.J.H. Dispersive soils in KwaZulu-Natal.University of Natal,

Durban. , 1997. Master of Science.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : KWAZULU NATAL; MAPS; SOIL EROSION; SOIL PROPERTIES

Notes : Abstract and conclusions only have been photocopied. There is an

interesting map on page 6 of the thesis showing "....areas where dispersive

soils have been found (From Elges, 1985)" The Elges reference is: Elges,

H.F.W.K. 1985. Dispersive soil. The Civil Engineer in South Africa 27, 347-

355.

Ref ID : 2192

2106. Walker, K.F. and Thoms, M.C. Environmental effects of flow regulation on

the lower River Murray, Australia. Regulated Rivers: Research and Management

8:103-109, 1993.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 1206

2107. Walker, M. Animal traction in South Africa: Past, present and

future.University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. , 1996. Conclusion in

file.Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : COMMUNAL AREA; LABOUR; LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION; POVERTY

Ref ID : 944

2108. Walmsley, J.J. and Walmsley, R.D. The environmental science research

infrastructure in South Africa: a discussion document. FRD Programme Series

No.7.Anonymous Anonymous , 1993. 1-874916-14-4.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY; LAND USE

Notes : The relationship between human beings and their environment has become

one of great concern. Throughout the world, governments, international bodies,

corporate businesses and individuals are realising that without well-planned

options, uncontrolled development will lead to the total degradation of the

environment and a resultant decrease in the quality of human life. Most

countries have experienced enormous changes to their landscapes due to

continually changing land use practices. Economic development has led to

increased pressure on resources to the extent that the environment in which we

live is severely threatened. There are, in fact, numerous environmental

problems which threaten the quality of human life. These may be viewed from a

variety of perspectives, inter alia, globally, continentally, regionally and

locally.

Ref ID : 522

2109. Walmsley, R.D. and Roberts, C.P.R. Changing patterns of resource use on

the Pongolo River flood plain.Anonymous Foundation for Research & Development.

Occasional Report 36, 1989.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : LAND USE; KWAZULU NATAL; COMMUNAL AREA; CULTIVATION

Ref ID : 2100

2110. Walsh, B.N. Some notes on the incidence and control of driftsands along

the Caledon, Bredasdorp and Riversdale coastline of South Africa.Anonymous

Pretoria:Department of Forestry. 44, 1968.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 376

2111. Walters, M.M. Erosion - a method for its determination, with special

reference to the Mixed Karoo. Farming in South Africa 30:287-290, 1955.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; NAMA KAROO; EROSION

Notes : In the mixed Karoo wind and water erosion occur mainly on the plains

constituting the major portion of this semi-arid region, the soil of which is

relatively shallow and sparsely covered with vegetation. The water erosion

referred to in this article applies more particularly to sheet erosion than to

gully erosion. As is everywhere the case in the Karoo, the top layer of soil is

gradually pulverised by animals during dry periods, and a very conspicuous

feature at such times is the cloud of dust raised by their hooves. Most of this

dust is carried away in suspension by the winds which usually prevail during

these periods. In the face of these problems, the author has devised a method,

which is described in this article, for measuring erosion. According to the

coefficient of variation and the absence of any significant difference between

the samples of the various samplings, the author deems it seems safe to assume

that this method of erosion determination conforms to the requirements set for

accuracy.

Ref ID : 991

2112. Wand, S.J.E., Midgley, G.F., and Musil, C.F. Physiological and growth

responses of two African species, Acacia karroo and Themeda triandra, to

combined increases in CO2 and UV-B radiation. Physiologia Plantarum 98:882-890,

1996.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : PLANT PHYSIOLOGY; CLIMATE CHANGE; GRASSLAND

Abstract : The interactive effects of increased carbon dioxide (CO2)

concentration and ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280-320 nm) radiation on Acacia karroo

Hayne, a C3 tree and Themeda triandra Forsk., a C4 grass, were investigated. We

tested the hypothesis that A. karroo would show greater CO2-induced growth

stimulation than T. triandra, which would partially explain current encroachment

of A. karroo into C4 grasslands, but that increased UV-B could mitigate this

advantage. Seedlings were grown in open-top chambers in a greenhouse in ambient

(360 umol mol-1) and elevated (650 umol-1) CO2, combined with ambient (1.56 to

8.66 kJ m-2day-1) or increased (2.22 to 11.93 kJ m-2day-1) biologically

effective (weighted) UV-B irradiances. After 30 weeks, elevated CO2 had no

effect on biomass of A. karroo, despite increased net CO2 assimilation rates.

Interaction between UV-B and CO2 on stomatal conductance was found, with

conductances decreasing only where elevated CO2 and UV-B were supplied

separately. Increases in water use efficiencies, foliar starch concentrations,

root nodule numbers and total nodule mass were measured in elevated CO2, but

stomatal conductances and foliar nitrogen concentrations decreased, and water

use efficiencies increased. Biomass of all vegetative fractions, particularly

leaf sheaths, was increased in elevated CO2, and was accompanied by increased

leaf blade lengths and individual leaf and leaf sheath masses. However, tiller

numbers were reduced in elevated CO2. Significantly moderating effects of

elevated UV-B were apparent only in individual masses of leaf blades and

sheaths, and in total sheath and shoot biomass. The direct CO2-induced growth

responses of the species therefore do not support the hypothesis of CO2-driven

woody encroachment of C4 grasslands. Rather, differential changes in resource

use efficency between grass and woody species, or morphological response of

grass species, could alter the competitive balance. Increased UV-B radiation is

unlikely to substantially alter the CO2 response of these species.

Ref ID : 992

2113. Wand, S.J.E., Midgley, G.F., and Musil, C.F. Growth, phenology and

reproduction of an arid-environment winter ephemeral Dimorphotheca pluvialis in

response to combined increases in CO2 and UV-B radiation. Environmental

Pollution 94(3):247-254, 1996.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : CLIMATE CHANGE; VEGETATION DYNAMICS; PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Abstract : The winter ephemeral Dimorphothea pluvialis was grown in open-top

chambers in ambient or elevated CO2 (350 or 650 umol mol-1), combined with

ambient (2.39 to 7.59 kJ m-2 d-1) or increased (4.94 to 11.13 kJ m-2 d-1) UV-B

radiation. Net CO2 assimilation rate and leaf water use efficiency increased in

elevated CO2 but increased UV-B did not affect gas exchange. Leaf biomass was

greater under increased UV-B, but vegetative biomass was unaffected in elevated

CO2. Initiation of reproduction was delayed, and proportional investment in

reproductive biomass at harvest was reduced in elevated CO2. Increased UV-B

stimulated reproduction, particularly in ambient CO2, but also in elevated CO2

at a later stage. Change in reproductive phenology and prolonged development in

elevated CO2 during the stressful late seasons could indirectly be deterimental

to reproductive success of D. pluvialis, but stimulation of reproduction by

enhanced UV-B may to some extent mitigate this.

Ref ID : 2553

2114. Wanklin and Associates Willowvale 1998. Consultant Report Situation

Analysis.Anonymous , 1998.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : POPULATION; LAND USE; CLIMATE; IRRIGATION; CISKEI; GENDER ASPECTS;

SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS; SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE; LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION;