The Role of Rangeland Enclosures on Vegetation and Soil Parameters

The role of rangeland enclosures on vegetation and soil parameters was investigated by studying vegetation composition, diversity, aboveground biomass production and basal cover, density, canopy cover and key soil characteristics such as available organic mater, pH, electrical conductivity, available N, P and K+, texture and bulk density in private enclosures and open access communal grazing areas. A single visit survey was conducted to assess community perceptions towards rangeland livestock management practices using structured and semi-structured questionnaires (90 households), group discussions and personal observations. Twelve enclosures (fenced private grazing areas) and twelve adjacent communal openly grazed areas were selected for detail vegetation and soil parameter assessments.