Temporal and spatial dynamics of mineral levels of forage, soil and cattle blood serum in two semi-arid savannas of South Africa

Type Journal Article - African Journal of Range & Forage Science
Title Temporal and spatial dynamics of mineral levels of forage, soil and cattle blood serum in two semi-arid savannas of South Africa
Author(s)
Volume 32
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
Page numbers 279-287
URL https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Solomon_Beyene/publication/275521235_Temporal_and_spatial_dynam​ics_of_mineral_levels_of_forage_soil_and_cattle_blood_serum_in_two_semi-arid_savannas_of_South_Afric​a/links/565f133a08ae4988a7be49ba.pdf
Abstract
In this study, we examined temporal and spatial dynamics of minerals of forage, soil and cattle serum in two
savannas (valley and plain) of South Africa. The aims were to explore the relationships between ecosystem
components, and plan communal grazing and fodder flow for sustainable livestock production. In each area, near,
middle and far grazing sites from homesteads were selected. In the valley land, site interacted with season to
influence local variations (P ? 0.05) of soil calcium and microelements. In the plain lands, local variations occurred
for soil phosphorus and magnesium. At large scale, most macro-minerals showed differences between the valley
and plain lands. In the valley areas, forage calcium differed (P ? 0.05) locally in the dry season, whereas in the plain
areas, potassium and phosphorus showed local variations (P ? 0.05) in the wet season. Seasonal variations of most
forage elements were significant within each local site of both study areas. All forages were deficient in phosphorus
and copper. Cattle serum from the valley area had low iron concentrations. The study concluded that biotic and
abiotic factors may influence soil and forage elements distribution, but their effects may vary between the two
areas. Rangeland improvement and supplementation strategies are suggested to sustain animal production.

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