Spatial variation in vegetation and soils around artificial watering points in Hwange National Park
Abstract
Piospheres are examples of the spatial impacts animals have on their environment. They tend
to develop around artificial watering points, particularly in the dry season. The present study
sought to assess impactof disturbance on plant species and soils across a disturbance gradient
at watering points in the Main Camp of Hwange National Park.
The study was conducted around four artificial watering points (two seasonal watering points
and two perennial watering points). A stratified sampling design was adopted, with woody
vegetation plots systematically placed at 150 m intervals along 2 550 m long transects.
Assessments of non-woody plants and soils were conducted in plots laid at 50 m interval
along 2 500 m long transects.
Results indicated that woody species height and basal area increased with increasing distance
from watering points. Shrub species richness was highest in moderately utilised zones and
woody species diversity was lowest closest to the watering points. Non-woody species cover,
richness and abundance increased towards the watering points. There was no consistent
relationship between distance from water and non-woody species diversity. Concentrations of
nutrients were highest in the vicinity of watering points. Soil moisture was lowest close to
watering points and highest in the moderate occupancy zone. Soil pH was highest close to
watering points. Onlyphosphorus was significantly different between seasonal watering
points and perennial watering points. No significant differences were observed between
seasonal watering points and perennial watering points in terms of vegetation attributes.
Results indicate the existence of spatial variation in woody vegetation structure, non-woody
vegetation cover and soil nutrient status and pH around artificial watering points which is
associated with an animal disturbance gradient in Hwange National Park.
Subject
surface waterartificial water sources.
natural water sources
natural watering points
Hwange National Park
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