Effects of short-duration kraaling depend on initial conditions in a mesic grassland

Short-duration overnight kraaling has been suggested as a tool for restoring degraded rangelands. However, the response of different plant functional types and communities to such intense livestock impact may vary depending on local context. We thus examined effects short-duration soil vegetation characteristics in mesic montane grassland South Africa using paired kraal control sites, part low intensity grazing approach. Kraaling increased P S, well organic matter (except when initial values were over 12%). The effect was strongly dependent condition. Basal cover grasses forbs by approximately 50 15%, respectively, if sites had very basal cover, but decreased up 15% 50% 10%, respectively. always herbaceous biomass, especially 2 000 kg ha−1. In grasslands, is promising rehabilitating or fertilizing abandoned cropland, should be avoided where grass sward intact. recommend that suitability evaluated per type