Short-Term Effect of Grazing Exclusion and Uncontrolled Grazing on Species Abundance, Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in an Invaded Area by <i>Euryops floribundus</i> in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Grazing exclusion (GE) is the most effective rangeland restoration technique which facilitates species diversity and forage quality. This study aimed at assessing short-term impact of GE continuously grazed on relative frequency, dry matter yield nutritive value dominant grasses in an area invaded by Euryops floribundus. A plot 2.5 ha was measured boundaries demarcated using tape measure steal pins, further divided into two subplots 1ha each were 5 m apart. One subplot fenced protected from grazing livestock, while one not fenced. Three parallel belt transects 100 × 2 with 3 apart laid out both subplots. Woody plants occurring within identified recorded to determine density. In subplot, a 0.25 m2 quadrant measuring thrown randomly take detailed records plant species, frequency herbage biomass. Four sites harvested value. Results indicate that grass diversity, subsequently sixteen thirteen uncontrolled (UG) sites, respectively. Eragrostis chloromelas (21.7%), Themeda triandra (13.2%) had high frequencies site. Highest biomass production site (1400 kg·ha-1) compared UG (1102 kg·ha-1). Crude protein content relatively lower (5.4% - 5.8%) as (7.2% 7.8%). It concluded that, showed positive (%), crude content. creates conducive environment for recruitment. Further studies are required examine long-term trial setup.