ASSESSMENT OF RANGELAND AT UM KASS RAINY SEASON CAMPING AREA IN NORTH KORDOFAN

Abstract

Rangelands are very important for feed livestock. Therefore, continuous monitoring and study is necessary to understand their existing situation for their improvement and management. Two sites were surveyed for vegetation measurements 50 kilometers from Elobeid where inventory was conducted on the rangelands. The two sites were selected according to soil type. Sampling for herbaceous cover was based on locating twenty transects 100 m. The assessment included cover, composition, density and biomass production. The tools used for data collection were Loop, 1 m2 quadrate, compass, and transect of 100m. The data was analyzed via analysis of variance. The results showed that overgrazing was considered as the major factor responsible for the low vegetation cover in the study area due to the concentration of high numbers of animals during the rainy season. The results indicated that negative impact on vegetation attributes replacement of palatable grasses by less palatable plant species and low carrying capacity. The most dominant herbaceous species in the study area were Abotilon figrianum and Cyprus rotundus both are less preferred by animals, indicating intensive selective grazing and hence disturbance in rangeland. Results indicated that there was variations in species density in two sites .pastoralist activities and heavy grazing are the main factors influencing the distribution of tree cover and can also affect the woody species density. The Boscia senegalensis and Acacia nubica were the most dominant tree species in the area and it was less preferred by animals. Sound management and suitable improvement techniques should be implemented for these rangelands.