Landscape Function Analysis: Responses to Bush Encroachment in a Semi-Arid Savanna in the Molopo Region, South Africa

Klaus Kellner, Jaco Fouché, David Tongway, Ricart Boneschans, Helga van Coller and Nanette van Staden
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Klaus Kellner: Unit for Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Management at the North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Jaco Fouché: Unit for Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Management at the North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
David Tongway: School of Engineering, Science and Environment, Newcastle University or 14 Coppin Place, Weetangera, ACT 2614, Australia
Ricart Boneschans: Unit for Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Management at the North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Helga van Coller: Unit for Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Management at the North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Nanette van Staden: Unit for Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Management at the North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-24

Abstract: Various factors lead to increased woody species density, biomass and cover (so-called ‘bush encroachment’) that influence ecosystem functioning and services in semi-arid rangelands. Ultimately, bush encroachment has adverse effects on human livelihoods. An increased understanding of ecosystem functioning in bush-encroached rangelands could contribute to improved management, conservation and restoration. This study, therefore, aimed to determine landscape functioning of bush-encroached and controlled savanna rangelands in the Molopo region, South Africa, by using the landscape function analysis (LFA) monitoring procedure. Mixed models revealed no significant differences based on LFA indices between bush-thickened and bush-controlled sites due to drought conditions that prevailed while the survey was carried out. Stability, which revealed the largest LFA contributing factors, always had the highest numerical value for sites that were still bush-encroached. Soil analyses revealed that grass litter patches from aeroplane-controlled sites had the highest average nutrient levels. As expected, high percentages of carbon and calcium levels were found in bush-encroached shrub litter patches. Bush-encroached landscapes are fully functional areas, especially under drought conditions. Long-term research is required to determine the effects successful management has on ecosystem functioning, especially during periods of higher rainfall.

Keywords: bush control; ecosystem functioning; landscape functional analysis; patch and inter-patch zones; nutrient cycling; infiltration; rangeland management; stability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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