Abstract

Author:
Wandile Mashece, Beyene Solomon Tefera, Unathi Gulwa, Mndela Mthunzi, Gideon Jordaan, Malizo Ntalo, Olwetu Antonia Sindesi

Doi: 10.26480/sfna.01.2025.19.23

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Phosphorus (P) is a critical macronutrient influencing forage productivity and plant community dynamics in communal rangelands. This study evaluated the impact of P application on forage dry matter yield and plant density in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A randomised complete block design (RCBD) was used, with four P application levels (0, 10, 20, and 40 kg P/ha) and four replications. Results indicated that dry matter yield was not significantly affected in the first year but increased at 10 and 40 kg P/ha in the second year. Grass and forb densities responded positively to P application, with the highest plant densities observed at 20 and 40 kg P/ha. However, legume density declined after P application and remained unaffected by increasing P levels, however legume density increased with each observation period. These findings suggest that P application enhances grass and forb growth, potentially improving forage availability in degraded communal lands. However, the lack of response in legumes indicates possible competition effects between the two species and legume species. They may also be an indication that P is not a limiting factor for legume germination or that the initial soil had sufficient baseline P for legume establishment. The study highlights the importance of optimising P application to maximise forage productivity while maintaining species balance for sustainable rangeland management.