**2. Types of veld degradation**

There are six major forms of soil and veld degradation, which were identified in South Africa. These include the loss of cover, species composition, bush encroachment, alien plant invasions and deforestation, and general category of the other [5]. However, the loss of vegetative cover and species composition are the most prominent forms of degradation, although it remains difficult to separate changes in veld condition due to environmental factors (such as in mean annual precipitation) from those due to mismanagement *per se*. It is argued that the change does not always equate with veld degradation, hence, the changes in species composition can occur as a consequence of natural variably, for example, the precipitation inputs [5].

However, the environmental factors and land management are clearly subjected to significantly elevated levels of soil erosion expressed, such as sheet, rill, and gully erosion.

### **3. Causes of veld degradation**

According to Oluwole et al. [3], it is reported that the major factor that triggers land degradation in rangelands is excessive utilization often termed overgrazing. However, Mandal et al. [6] argues soil and water erosion are the most important natural resources which are major causes of land degradation. The poor farming practices as well the trend toward agricultural intensification have been considered to be a major cause of soil erosion. The prolonged soil erosion causes irreversible soil

#### *Effects of Veld Degradation on Biomass Production in the Arable Lands of South Africa DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102605*

loss over time (temporal), thus, reducing the following rangeland parameter can be negatively affected (biomass production) and hydrological functions (e.g., filtering, infiltration, and water holding capacity) of soil [7]. Veld condition is determined by the following factors e.g., species composition; the vigor of palatable grass species; basal cover; soil surface condition [8]. In South Africa, bush encroachment is a common phenomenon which is problematic because it reduces the forage quality in arable lands.

The problem of *Acarcia.karroo*, bush encroachment is most prevalent in the arable areas. Therefore, the understanding of constraints by a communal farmer is critical because the high stocking rates are often practiced by communal farmers can adversely affect growth performance and reproductive efficiency, and ultimately affect cattle market value. Thus, Communal ownership of rangeland resources also complicates the introduction and of improved rangeland management*. A.karro* is commonly dominant in most arable in the false thorn veld region of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Where in most cases is regarded as the invader. The high stocking rates observed in most communal areas have the consequence of degrading the rangelands and reducing the feed resource base for cattle [4].

This, in turn, adversely affects growth and reproductive performance, and ultimately cattle market value. Communal ownership of rangeland resources also complicates the introduction and adoption of improved rangeland management practices in the communal areas. Information on farmers' challenges and perceptions on rangeland management, which is useful in developing sustainable communal rangeland and cattle health management practices, is still poorly understood [9].
