A GIS Scheme for Forage Assessment and Determination of Rangeland Carrying Capacity

Abstract

Several geospatial datasets across the rangelands of the North West province of South African were integrated in order to develop a Rangeland Grazing Suitability Scheme using a GIS environment. Results of the scheme showed that private ranches and protected areas in medium and high rainfall zones are highly productive with higher carrying capacity and available foliage to animals than the communal areas and the low rainfall zones. Private ranches and protected areas are under-grazed while the communal areas are exposed to high exploitation and overgrazing in all rainfall zones. The scheme demonstrates the level of grazing that a particular rangeland should be exposed to and it could be very helpful for cattle ranchers and extension personnel in selecting areas for grazing for a given period of time. The scheme has a capacity for balancing forage availability in relation to forage demands by animal units. It is envisaged that adoption of this scheme by stakeholders and rangeland managers would increase the efficiency of rangeland monitoring process thereby increasing their productivity.