The effects of abiotic factors in South African semi-arid grassland communities on Seriphium plumosum L density and canopy size.

ABSTRACT: Most studies suggest that multiple factors are responsible for woody plant encroachment, but are inconclusive on its causes. Woody plant encroachment is modified by local patterns of disturbance, topography, soil texture and fertility, and their relative importance and interaction strength varies among locations. We used grassland communities, Carletonville Dolomite Grassland (CDG), Rand Highveld Grassland (RHG) and abiotic factors (Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Total nitrogen (TN), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and pH) to investigate habitat preferences of Seriphium plumosum L. in South African semi-arid grassland. Grassland community had a significant effect on S. plumosum density, canopy size, and on components of soil fertility (P< 0.05). Slope p

SUBMITTER: Pule HT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6117004 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature