velds

Velds, or veld, is a term used to describe open, grassy country in Southern Africa. The word comes from Afrikaans and is commonly applied to landscapes across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and surrounding areas. Velds encompass a range of vegetation types, from grasslands to savannas and bushveld, depending on climate, soils, and disturbance history.

Ecologically, velds are characterized by grasses as the dominant vegetation, with herbaceous plants and varying amounts of shrubs or scattered trees. Fire and grazing are key ecological processes that help maintain these ecosystems by preventing the advance of woody vegetation and promoting diverse grass communities. Soils can range from sandy to clayey and influence water availability, productivity, and vegetation structure. Velds often experience pronounced seasonal rainfall patterns, with many areas having a distinct but variable wet season.

Velds are typically categorized by altitude and rainfall into highveld, midveld, and lowveld. The highveld is a high-altitude plateau with cooler temperatures and moderate to high rainfall. The midveld lies at intermediate elevations with variable rainfall. The lowveld occurs at low elevations, tends to be warmer, and generally receives less rainfall. In some regions, particularly in arid zones, terms such as Nama Karoo describe drier veld types with more sparse vegetation.

Land use in veld regions is diverse. Many areas support grazing and pastoral farming, while others are used for crops, conservation, or tourism. Protection and management vary by location, with some velds included in national parks and reserves and others subject to agricultural development or urban expansion. Common threats include overgrazing, soil erosion, invasive species, mining activity, and climate change, which can alter fire regimes and water availability.