Abstract:
Rangelands are very important for feed livestock. Therefore, continuous monitoring and study
is necessary to understand their existing situation for their improvement and management. Two
sites were surveyed for vegetation measurements 50 kilometers from Elobeid where inventory
was conducted on the rangelands. The two sites were selected according to soil type. Sampling
for herbaceous cover was based on locating twenty transects 100 m. The assessment included
cover, composition, density and biomass production. The tools used for data collection were
Loop, 1 m2 quadrate, compass, and transect of 100m. The data was analyzed via analysis of
variance. The results showed that overgrazing was considered as the major factor responsible for
the low vegetation cover in the study area due to the concentration of high numbers of animals
during the rainy season. The results indicated that negative impact on vegetation attributes
replacement of palatable grasses by less palatable plant species and low carrying capacity. The
most dominant herbaceous species in the study area were Abotilon figrianum and Cyprus
rotundus both are less preferred by animals, indicating intensive selective grazing and hence
disturbance in rangeland. Results indicated that there was variations in species density in two
sites .pastoralist activities and heavy grazing are the main factors influencing the distribution of
tree cover and can also affect the woody species density. The Boscia senegalensis and Acacia
nubica were the most dominant tree species in the area and it was less preferred by animals.
Sound management and suitable improvement techniques should be implemented for these
rangelands. |
