Effect of unguided cattle husbandry on selected soil physical properties in common property regimes in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Authors

  • Anye Chungag Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
  • Johan J. Van Tol Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
  • Bheki Magagula Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa

Keywords:

Bulk density, Common property regime, Infiltration, Macroporosity, Penetration resistance

Abstract

Unguided cattle husbandry (UCH) is a form of resource exploitation in South Africa where common property is treated as rangeland, and cattle herds of varying sizes without herdsmen make their way into these properties whenever they can. The environmental consequences of this widespread husbandry method have not been studied in the Eastern Cape Province. We conducted a study on the impact of UCH on soil physical properties including bulk density, infiltration, macroporosity and penetration resistance. Results obtained showed that there was a significant increase in bulk density and penetration resistance on the tracks when compared with the control whereas hydraulic conductivity and macroporosity were significantly decreased by cattle grazing activities. It was concluded that exposure of community lands to UCH caused substantial damage to the soil physical properties.

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Published

29-10-2021
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How to Cite

Anye Chungag, Johan J. Van Tol, & Bheki Magagula. (2021). Effect of unguided cattle husbandry on selected soil physical properties in common property regimes in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Range Management and Agroforestry, 38(2), 176–180. Retrieved from https://publications.rmsi.in/index.php/rma/article/view/221

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