A fibre utilisation comparison of two harvesting systems in eucalyptus grandis in the Kwa-Zulu natal forestry region of South Africa
- Authors: Nxumalo, Sikhumbuzo Khethukuthula , McEwan, Andrew
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Eucalyptus grandis -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Harvesting -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20592 , vital:29331
- Description: Global timber demand is increasing as the level of technology continues to improve in many parts of the world. There needs to be more focus on renewable energy resources which will have a reduced negative impact on the environment. There is limited land area for timber plantations and this necessitates effective use of land from both an environmental and a commercial point of view. This research aimed at quantifying and comparing the fibre utilisation of two harvesting systems operating in Eucalyptus grandis pulpwood plantations. This was done using a general linear model, whereby the fibre loss areas were identified and used as the dependent variables, whilst diameter at breast height (DBH), site and harvesting systems were used as the independent variables. The research also aimed at determining the amount of fibre each system could recover, where fibre is lost or gained in each harvesting system and also whether one of the harvesting systems is able to recover more fibre than the other. The research investigated two harvesting systems in Eucalyptus grandis pulpwood plantations. These systems consisted of the full tree chain flail delimber debarker and chipper (FT CFDD&C) system and the cut-to-length (CTL) motor-manual system. These systems operated close to one another to ensure that the research was carried out on comparable paired plots. Two sites were identified to carry out research after a pilot study was done to test the feasibility. Using the FT CFDD&C system, trees were felled by means of a feller buncher. A grapple skidder was used for extraction to the landing, a chain flail delimber debarker (CFDD) for debarking and debranching and a roadside chipper for converting the boles into chips. The second CTL motor-manual system was modified into a tree length system to suit the conditions of the study due to infield chipping requiring longer lengths. Therefore, trees were felled with a chainsaw and debranched and topped infield before tree lengths were extracted to the landing site with the grapple skidder. The CFDD was used for debarking and the chipper converted boles into chips.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the southwestern Karoo basin in South Africa using magnetic and gravity data
- Authors: Nxantsiya, Zusakhe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Groundwater -- South Africa -- Karoo Aquifers -- South Africa -- Karoo Hydrology -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4748 , vital:28509
- Description: The early efforts of Booth, Johnson, Rubidge, Catuneanu, de Wit, Chevallier, Stankiewicz, Weckmann and many other scientists in studying the Karoo Supergroup has led to comprehensive documentation of the geology on the main Karoo Basin with regards to understanding the age, sedimentology, sedimentary facies and depositional environments. In spite of these studies, the subsurface structure, variations in thickness of various formations in large parts of the basin, the location and orientation of subsurface dolerite intrusions, and the depth to magnetic and gravity sources remains poorly documented. A geological study with the aid of geophysical techniques, magnetic and gravity, was conducted in the southwestern part of the main Karoo Basin. The objectives of the study were to construct numerous models of the main basin that image the crust to a depth of 45 km, to determine thicknesses of various formations, to relate observed geophysical anomalies with geological bodies and lineaments, to estimate the depth of existing anomalous bodies, to determine densities and porosity of various formations, as well as to determine the mineralogy of various rocks in the Karoo Basin.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Access to information by high school learners in selected schools in the Fort Beaufort Education District, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Oyediran- Tidings,Stella Olubukunmi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information resources Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Information services Information literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5304 , vital:29186
- Description: The level of access to educational information is pertinent to the attainment of quality education by learners. Librarians play a key role in facilitating access to such information. Access to educational information equips the possessor with the power of knowledge to assert their rights under any right regime, and a right to education cannot be fully exercised without corresponding access to educational information. Set in the Fort Beaufort Education District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this study evaluates the level of access to educational information as an enabler of quality education. Research revealed that despite the acclaimed educational improvement in South Africa, the quality of education in many black constituencies and provinces remains low. Therefore, the objectives of this study include inter alia an investigation of the educational information needs of high school learners in the Fort Beaufort Education District, the educational information available and accessible to them, how the learners access information, the services and technologies accessible to the learners, challenges confronting their access and means of improving learners’ access to educational information in the district and by extension in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Biological children's experiences and perceptions about having foster children in their households: a case study of Zwelitsha township
- Authors: Ntshongwana, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3033 , vital:28240
- Description: Most research studies focus on foster children or foster parents, there is dearth of research on the impact of fostering on biological children. This aim of this study was to fill the gap in the literature regarding the experiences of biological children sharing a home with foster children. It also investigated how biological children perceive foster care and challenges encountered by children under foster care. This was achieved through a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted at Zwelitsha Township in King Williams Town. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty biological children of foster parents and ten social workers in practice. Two focus group discussions were held with twenty foster parents. A focus group discussion guide was used in collecting information during the discussions. Purposive sampling was used in the study and data was analysed according to themes. The major findings revealed that fostering has both positive and negative impacts on biological children and the foster family. Biological children find foster care placement as helpful to children whose parents cannot provide care and protection for children. They gain and learn new knowledge through fostering and are happy about their new siblings in the family since they have companionship. On the other hand, minority of biological children were ambivalent about foster care as they were uncertain between altruistic feelings of making a difference in the lives of needy children against the negative outcomes of fostering. One biological child was negative about foster care. This participant did not like the idea of fostering and did not describe any personal positive outcomes resulting from his fostering experiences. The findings revealed that biological children are unable to voice out their views and ideas regarding foster care placement. The findings also revealed that biological children are not passive observers on how fostering influences their daily lives. Instead, they use strategies to influence fostering processes, especially to protect their foster siblings for the fostering process to be successful, while also having feelings of responsibility for their foster siblings. The findings further suggest that despite the complex nature of the fostering task, professionals should recognise and acknowledge the input of biological children to fostering. It is, therefore, suggested more training should be provided to foster parents to continually include the opinions of their own children in fostering decisions.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Characterisation and cryopreservation of semen from indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed, in comparison with Dorper and Dohne Merino breeds
- Authors: Letsoalo, Phutiane Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cryopreservation of organs, tissues, etc Merino sheep Dorper sheep
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4759 , vital:28510
- Description: The aim of this study was to characterise and cryopreserve semen of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner breed, and to compare it to that of Dorper and Dohne Merino sheep, whose semen is commercially frozen on a large scale. The study was conducted between January and August 2015. September 2013-born Namaqua Afrikaner (12), Dohne Merino (12) and Dorper (9) rams were used in the study. The rams were kept under kraal conditions with adequate shade, and they received a high protein, high energy diet. Originally it was envisaged to collect semen samples using the artificial vagina (AV) method, which proved to be problematic with the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. Semen samples were subsequently collected twice a week by either AV (Dohne Merino and Dorper) or electro-ejaculation (EE; all three breeds). Macroscopic sperm traits were assessed and sperm concentration determined immediately after collection. Each semen sample was diluted with Triladyl® (1:3) and subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour in straws. Frozen straws were thawed and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after cryopreservation. A droplet (0.5 ml) from each thawed sample was assessed microscopically for post-thaw motility and percentage live sperm..
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- Date Issued: 2017
Genetically modified (GM) maize cultivation by smallholders in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: Effects on target and non-target organisms and adoption challenges
- Authors: Kotey, Daniel Ashie
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Genetically modified foods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Corn -- Biotechnology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5161 , vital:29092
- Description: The use of genetically modified (GM) maize technology is subject to compliance with stewardship requirements and the adoption of specific management practices that promote the long-term effectiveness and environmental sustainability of the technology. For smallholders to comply with these requirements and adopt the desired management practices to ultimately benefit from the technology, they require information that creates awareness of the value of these requirements. To determine what information farmers receive about GM maize and how this information is disseminated to farmers, face to face interviews were conducted with 81 extension personnel and 210 smallhoder GM maize farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The effect of Bt maize introduction and management practices in smallholder maize agroecosystems in the Eastern Cape on Bt maize target [Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and non-target insect pests [Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and a snail species, [Cornu aspersum (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae)] was determined through laboratory, field and cage experiments. The effect of smallhoder farmers‟ GM maize cultivation practices on the profitability of GM maize technology was also determined through on-farm trials in different localities of the Eastern Cape identified as hot-spots for stem borer and weed infestation. Results of surveys indicated that extension personnel had a low level of awareness of GM maize technology stewardship requirements. GM maize technology was also largely disseminated to smallholder farmers through non-participatory approaches and print media sourced from GM seed companies. Although farmers had a high level of contact with extension services, they lacked access to information about GM maize technology. Smallholder farmers‟ level of awareness about GM maize and compliance with the requirement for the planting of non-Bt maize refuge areas adjacent to Bt maize was also very low. While Bt maize event (MON810) commonly cultivated by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province had a variable effect on A. segetum under laboratory conditions, it had no effect on the incidence of plants damaged by A. segetum and C. aspersum under field conditions. The incidence of H. armigera damage on Bt maize plants was however significantly affected by Bt maize. Populations of B. fusca collected from smallholder maize fields in the province were observed to be still highly susceptible to Bt maize. Results of on-farm evaluation of the profitability of GM maize revealed that stem borer pressure, growing conditions, input supplies and market access affect the productivity and profitability of GM maize cultivation. Challenges within the extension and advisory services of the Eastern Cape which can militate against smallholder farmers‟ ability to benefit from GM maize technology and sustain the long-term efficacy of the technology were identified during this study. Given these challenges and the fact that the cultivation of GM maize may not be profitable under typical smallholder maize cultivation conditions and management practices, dissemination approaches that provide farmers the opportunity to evaluate GM maize technology alongside alternate technologies under their conditions, may prove beneficial.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The approaches of traditional healers in the treatment of HIV/ AIDS: the case of Chris Hani District Municipality, Cala, Tsengiwe, Eastern cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mati, Similo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: People with HIV and AIDS disease -- healers -- South Africa --Eastern Cape Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5249 , vital:29171
- Description: In South Africa, just like in any other country within the African continent, traditional healing remains an integral part of many communities and this is not just restricted to the rural communities only, as is sometimes assumed. The main aim of this research was to explore the approaches of traditional healers in the treatment of HIV/AIDS in the Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape. The following research objectives were followed regarding the approaches of traditional healers in the treatment of HIV/AIDS: (i) to assess how traditional healers and people living with HIV/AIDS in Tsengiwe village understand HIV/AIDS, (ii) to investigate the reasons people living with HIV/AIDS consult traditional healers in Tsengiwe village, (iii) to assess Tsengiwe village traditional healers’ treatment strategies for HIV/AIDS, (iv) to establish how traditional healers view their role in the treatment of HIV/AIDS in Tsengiwe village. A qualitative research design was utilized, using in-depth interviews with traditional healers and focus group discussions with caregivers and people living with HIV/AIDS respectively. A type of non-probability sampling known as purposive sampling was used. A total of sixteen (16) participants were interviewed. The findings in this research revealed the following themes: (i) HIV/AIDS is incurable and it is understood by symptoms, (ii) belief system entrenched in traditional healing, (iii) cleansing rituals and traditional medicinal remedies and, (iv) strengthening relations between stakeholders. While traditional healers expressed a willingness to work with biomedical professionals in the management of HIV/AIDS, caregivers and people living with HIV/AIDS preferred going to clinics and hospitals for treatment. Furthermore, people living with HIV/AIDS in this research never admitted to consulting traditional healers for their ailments, only saying that they choose to self-medicate.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of family preservation and family reunification services on families in South Africa: a case study of Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Zimba, Zibonele France
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Family services Dysfunctional families -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3088 , vital:28260
- Description: Families in communities remain vulnerable and, apart from poverty, face a host of other crises and challenges on a daily basis. Amongst the challenges that families face, children are affected most. Services targeting families with very young children therefore are imperative. This study was aimed at exploring the impact of family preservation and family reunification services on families in South Africa, with a focus on the Eastern Cape Province. To answer the research questions of this study, the research adopted a mixed methods design known as methodological triangulation. The study incorporated two sets of participants, Social Workers and heads of families that benefit from family preservation and family reunification services. The total sample for the study included 260 participants; 220 of the participants were heads of families and 40 of the participants were Social Workers. Questionnaires were administered to 200 heads of families and 20 Social Workers selected by means of the random sampling technique. In addition, 20 heads of families and 20 Social Workers who participated in in-depth interviews were purposively selected. The quantitative data were analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were categorised with the use of themes and subthemes
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- Date Issued: 2017
The use of herbicides for the management of Eucalyptus coppice in South Africa
- Authors: Roberts, Jonathan Cecil
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Eucalyptus grandis -- South Africa Herbicides -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20287 , vital:29205
- Description: The effectiveness and relatively low cost of herbicides has led to the near exclusion of non-herbicide methods for controlling weeds in commercial forestry plantations. However, any herbicide used within the forestry context has the potential to be toxic and/or alter ecosystem dynamics. In response to increased public concern, perceptions of risk, and compliance associated with forest certification standards and criterion, there is an increased need to provide alternative methods that can reduce reliance on herbicides. Even though adequate research has been implemented regarding herbicide use, little research has examined the implications of herbicide use or non-use throughout the full rotation. Since herbicide use is integrated within the management of eucalypt regeneration, it is critical that a comprehensive understanding of herbicide use be obtained before informed management decisions can be made. Only once this has been obtained, can reduced and judicious recourse to herbicide use be considered, both within the requirements of certification criteria and of good management practice (economic and site sustainability). The main objective of this thesis was to increase the understanding of herbicide use, as well the cost involved within the context of eucalypt coppice regimes in South Africa. Three field trials (two rotation-end, and one short-term) were implemented to achieve this objective, with herbicide use aimed at either killing eucalypt stumps if replanting, or control of secondary coppice regrowth if coppicing. The first trial was situated in Mpumalanga and evaluated which method of control would be best suited to reducing cost (cost-effective) and reliance on herbicides for killing eucalypt stumps and control of resulting coppice regrowth. Selected cut-stump and basal-frill treatments were included with triclopyr (480 g L-1 a.i.) applied to the cambium of difficult-to-kill Eucalyptus macarthurii H. Deane & Maiden stumps that had previously been coppiced multiple times. The resulting coppice regrowth was either manually removed, or glyphosate (360 g L-1 a.i.) applied to foliage. These treatments were integrated with non-chemical control methods, where E. dunnii Maiden seedlings were planted either between each stump row or within the row, to determine whether such treatments could further reduce the level of coppicing through shading. At rotation end, the different treatments tested had no significant influence on any of the E. dunnii growth variates. As there were no significant differences, the treatment with the lowest overall cost and herbicide used would be preferred. The application of triclopyr to the cut-surface following felling was the most cost-effective treatment. The differences in cost obtained is directly related to required follow-up coppice regrowth control operations and quantity of total herbicide applied (both triclopyr and glyphosate). It was hoped that the non-chemical control method (planting position of seedlings) would reduce the level of coppicing, however, within this trial, this did not occur. The second trial was situated in Zululand on Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla coppice that investigated different methods to control secondary coppice regrowth through either manual removal with a bush-knife, or the application of glyphosate (360 g L-1 a.i.) to the foliage. A range of herbicide rates (0.6%, 1.2% and 1.8%) was applied to the foliage of the secondary coppice regrowth when it reached a predetermined mean height (0.5 m, 1.0 m and 1.5 m). The objective was to determine the optimum rate and timing of control and to avoid glyphosate from being over-applied when managing this regrowth. No significant differences were detected between the different treatments for any of the growth variates at rotation end. The use of glyphosate, irrespective of rate and/or timing of application (as assessed by secondary coppice regrowth height) proved to be more cost-effective compared to manual removal of secondary coppice regrowth. Treatment efficacy in terms of treating secondary coppice regrowth increased with an increase in the rate of glyphosate applied (0% < 0.6% < 1.2% < 1 .8%), especially when treated at either 1.0 or 1.5 m in height. Although the volume of the glyphosate used increased with increasing secondary coppice regrowth height (0.5 m < 1.0 m < 1.5 m) due to the larger foliar spraying area, there was little difference in total glyphosate used when comparing the same herbicide rate across the three different heights. The most cost-effective treatment was that where glyphosate was applied at 1.2% when the secondary coppice regrowth was 1-1.5 m. The third trial (also located in Zululand on Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla) was implemented to test the knowledge gained in trial two, thereby determinng coppice management regimes that would facilitate mechanised harvesting. In this trial, coppice shoots were reduced to one stem per stump in one thinning operation (coppice reduction heights of 3.5 m, 4.5 m and 6.5 m), with the impact of increased secondary coppice regrowth monitored together with the testing of different control methods. An additional control treatment was included (current best operating practice) with coppice shoots thinned to two stems per stump at shoot height of 3.5 m, and thereafter to original stocking at stem height of 6.5 m. Herbicide rate and timing of application was based on the results obtained in the second trial, with glyphosate applied at 1.2% when the secondary coppice regrowth reached a mean height of approximately 1 m. At the final measurement date, the diameter at breast height for all three coppice reduction height treatments (3.5 m, 4.5 m and 6.5 m) were significantly larger than the additional control treatment. This can be attributed to the allocation of resources to the remaining stem at an earlier age, resulting in a growth benefit. For stocking, the 6.5 m coppice reduction height was significantly higher compared to both the 3.5 m and 4.5 m coppice reduction treatments, while not significantly different from the additional control. In this trial, secondary coppice regrowth had no effect on tree growth. Due to the short duration of this trial, a longer trial period would be necessary to obtain a full understanding of the impacts of the various coppice reduction treatments, and the resulting secondary coppice regrowth influence on selected coppice growth if left untreated. As several previous studies have shown the importance of controlling secondary coppice regrowth, it is recommended not to view the results of this present trial in isolation. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that the control of coppice regrowth with herbicides is more effective than any of the manual removal treatments in terms of cost, with manual control requiring more follow-up control operations. Even though the manual removal of coppice regrowth had no influence on growth of the remaining stems or planted trees, the potential injury to labourers or growing stock is still of concern. Therefore, the use of herbicides for controlling coppice regrowth would be preferable. However, if reduced herbicide-use is a major criterion, then coppice regrowth can be controlled manually, although at a higher cost.
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- Date Issued: 2017