South African Journal of Science Print version ISSN 0038-2353 DU
PREEZ, Chris C.; VAN HUYSSTEEN, Cornie W. and MNKENI, Pearson
N.S.. Land use and soil organic matter in South Africa 1: a
review on spatial variability and the influence of rangeland
stock production. S. Afr. j. sci. [online]. 2011, vol.107,
n.5-6, pp. 27-34. ISSN 0038-2353.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajs.v107i5/6.354. Degradation of soil
as a consequence of land use poses a threat to sustainable
agriculture in South Africa, resulting in the need for a soil
protection strategy and policy. Development of such a strategy
and policy require cognisance of the extent and impact of soil
degradation processes. One of the identified processes is the
decline of soil organic matter, which also plays a central role
in soil health or quality. The spatial variability of organic
matter and the impact of grazing and burning under rangeland
stock production are addressed in this first part of the review.
Data from uncoordinated studies showed that South African