Influence of stocking rate and grazing systems on available grazing in the northern cape1

The influence of rotational and continuous grazing systems, each applied with four stocking rates, on the above‐ground phytomass of veld was determined over four years. Grazing systems showed a significant influence on available herbage during one year only. Increased stocking rates brought a progressive decline in above‐ground phytomass. During the fourth season (1980/81) the average grazing pressures at stocking rates of 10 ha, 7 ha, 5,5 ha and 4 ha/Large stock unit were 5 984 kg, 3 417 kg, 2 390 kg and 1 238 kg and 1 238 kg phytomass/Large stock unit, respectively. At the end of the fourth season (July, 1981) there was reserve grazing available on the various stocking rates for approximately 579 days, 337 days, 202 days and 76 days, respectively. The risk of high stocking rates in the marginal rainfall regions, is emphasised.