**1. Introduction**

Land degradation is one of the most serious global environmental issues of our time [1]. Land degradation is referred to as a major pillar that threatens most environmental issues that trigger poor land productivity, vegetation decline in most global arable lands. According to Wessels et al. [1], land degradation is defined as the persistent reduction of land's biophysical and economic production potential or can be regarded as the long-term loss of land ecosystem functions and services. Generally, land degradation is reported as the most critical factor that triggers most global environmental issues, such as climate change [2]. Land degradation has also been reported in South Africa as one of the very common environmental problems that affect biomass production across pastures and rangelands, which often lead to soil erosion and nutrient depletion [3]. In some instances, veld degradation has been reported to have

a tremendous impact on nitrogen and phosphorus inputs that can potentially have adverse effects on water resources in many parts of the world. Rangeland degradation has also been regarded as a major threat to sustainable livestock production in South Africa [4]. Approximately, 69% of agricultural land in South Africa has been reported to use extensive grazing systems, of which it is unsuitable to produce quality livestock commodities for commercial purposes [5]. However, based on the current studies, the land degradation issue has become a topical subject in many parts of the world, due to the lack of relevant information on processes that lead to veld degradation as well as ineffective programs for sustainable biomass production of livestock [3]. Concurrently, communal grazing in the areas that are commonly used in South Africa has declined in the 1990s, due to expanding human settlements, land reform dynamics, climatic changes, agricultural activities (such as crops, forestry, conservation, and mining). It is also vital in assessing the threat that veld degradation poses to people on the urban-wildland interface. Recently, it has been reported that South Africa is a drought-prone country, which is attributed to rainfall distribution that is erratic and unpredictable. According to Oluwole et al. [3], argues that very clear and detailed information on factors causing veld degradation is still limited. On the other hand, Mapiye et al. [4] reported that the low quality and quantity of feed produced during the dry season can have a negative impact on the off-takes rates; therefore, nutritional improvements are crucial in order to understand the nutritional status of the rangeland. For example, protein, energy, and minerals are the most critical nutrients for animal productivity in the semi-arid-communal production systems [4]. Generally, "veld condition" is defined as the ecological status of the veld, in terms of its botanical composition and cover, as well as its fodder value, productivity, and palatability**.**
