Veld Management, Principles and Practices, by Frits van Oudtshoorn

Veld Management, Principles and Practices, by Frits van Oudtshoorn. Briza Publications. Pretoria, South Africa 2019. ISBN 9781920217297 / ISBN 978-1-92-021729-7

Veld Management, Principles and Practices by Frits van Oudtshoorn, aims to provide the necessary knowledge to assist land users to effectively manage the land under their care, a huge responsibility indeed.

Frits van Oudtshoorn  

Strolling through natural veld on a late afternoon evokes emotion in most of us, probably because of our long history with the natural environment. The artistic beauty of the natural veld, whether it is the endless undulating grasslands, the vast rugged landscape of the karoo or the warmth of a tree-speckled savanna, certainly also draws us closer to our Creator. Natural veld is not only inspirational, but it is also a resource vital to our survival on earth. About 80% of South Africa's land surface area consists of veld. Most of this area is unsuitable for cropping and is used for extensive livestock and game ranching as well as for biodiversity conservation. Good veld management results in an increase in production, maintains diversity and ensures sustainability. As the livelihoods of future generations depend on our actions today, good veld management of this vast piece of land is vital. This book attempts to provide the reader with the necessary principles and practices that are important for the improved application of veld management. Although highly interesting, the subject of veld or grassland ecology can be quite complicated. Veld ecology has often been referred to as being a 'complex of complexes'. This book attempts to simplify the subject by employing a sensible structure layout, including ample illustrations and using, hopefully, easy understandable language. The book is the culmination of training material compiled by the author for a training programme on Veld Management. May this book go a long way towards teaching and inspiring people to take land management seriously and to improve their land management skills. The ultimate aim of this book is to assist in improving and sustaining our natural resources for future generations - they are going to need it more than we do. Frits van Oudtshoorn

INTRODUCTION TO VELD MANAGEMENT

This chapter looks at what veld management entails and discusses the important legislation dealing directly or indirectly with veld management. The term Veld' refers to relatively open natural areas, usually used for extensive livestock or game production or set aside for conservation. Almost 80% of South Africa's land surface area consists of veld. Typical natural veld has a layer of herbaceous (grasses and/or small shrubs) vegetation at ground level and is often also partly covered by trees and larger shrubs. Forest and true desert areas are generally not seen as veld. The term is often used in combination with other features to describe specific areas or regions such as Bushveld, Highveld and sweetveld. Other terminology in English used in this context is rangeland, natural grazing or natural pastures. Veld management can be defined as the science of managing natural resources (vegetation, soil, water), as part of veld, for sustainable animal production and biodiversity conservation. Veld management aims to maintain, or even improve, the condition of veld in terms of production, soil conservation and biodiversity. To be successful and sustainable, veld management should be in harmony with the ecological principles governing the ecosystem.

Practically, veld management involves the following:
• Controlling the movement of animals.
• Controlling the numbers of animals.
• Controlling problem plants.
• Controlling wildfires.
• Managing prescribed burning if necessary.
• Restoring denuded land.
• Developing and maintaining veld management supporting infrastructure.
• Planning and keeping record of veld management aspects [...]

This is an excerpt from Veld Management, Principles and Practices, by Frits van Oudtshoorn.

Title: Veld Management
Subtitle: Principles and Practices
Author: Frits van Oudtshoorn
Publisher: Briza Publications
Pretoria, South Africa 2019
ISBN 9781920217297 / ISBN 978-1-92-021729-7
Softcover, 17 x 24 cm, 256 pages, 380 colour photographs and illustrations