Browsing by Author "Kamau, Peris"

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    Forage Diversity and Impact of Grazing Management System on Rangeland Ecosystems in Mbeere District, Kenya
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2003-06) Kamau, Peris; Woldu, Zerihun (PhD)
    Plant species composition, biomass, frequency and density of Mbeere rangeland has been described to compare open and enclosed sites. A total of 245 plallf species were identified. Clipping and preference unit technique were used to estimate herbaceous alld trees and shrub biomass respectively. Density and callopy cover were done through counting and visual estimation for three growth forms while forage preference was through direct obsen'ation. Soil samples were analysed for soil moisture, pH, total nitrogen, organic matter, exchangeable cations, percent carbon, available phosphorus, bulk density, soil colour and textural class (sand, clay and silt content). The species sampled were classified illfo twenty community types (ten each for herbaceous and all vascular plant species) using Syntax. The effect of grazing and management system in this rangeland was studied both on the vegetation and on the soil properties. Grazing reduces above ground biomass in communal lands mainly through overgrazing and elimination of palatable species. Forage productivity on the other hand largely depends on availability of rainfall and disturbance. In the dry season the biomass accumulated was relatively low but substantially increased during the wet season. Grazing management systems used in this particular rangeland have a direct impact on forage diversity. T-test results sholVS that total species ric/lIless and herbaceous richness in the open site were significantly differellf (p