sweetveld

vegetation

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Sweetveld refers to African veld with soil that is not significantly acidic. This type of vegetation is characterized by palatable, predominantly annual grasses that grow well with sufficient moisture.1

The term "veld" itself describes open country in Southern Africa used for pasturage and farmland. Different types of veld exist, categorized by factors like elevation, climate, and cultivation, including Highveld, Middleveld, and Lowveld.2

Highveld grassland, found in regions receiving over 15 inches of summer rainfall, can be classified as either sweet veld or sour veld. Sweet veld, dominated by Themeda grasses, is more palatable to livestock than sour veld, which is composed of Andropogon and Eragrostis grasses and is considered poorer pasturage.3

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veld
Plant life
…sweeter (and is consequently called sweetveld) than elsewhere, where it is commonly called sourveld. Sweetvelds are more palatable to livestock than sourvelds, the latter being usable as fodder only in winter.
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…sweeter (and is consequently called sweetveld) than elsewhere, where it is commonly called sourveld. Sweetvelds are more palatable to livestock than sourvelds, the latter being usable as fodder only in winter.
Read More