Effect of Soil Type and Foliar Factors on the Distribution of Imbrasia belina in the Southeastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe.

Doreen Z Moyo,Edward Mufandaedza,Paul Makoni

doi:10.1155/2018/9273184

Doreen Z Moyo, Edward Mufandaedza + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9273184

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Abstract

The aims of this study were to find out whether soil parameters (i.e., soil texture, soil pH, and available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)) and level of tannins in the bark of tree as measured by total amount of N & P in the droppings significantly influenced Imbrasia belina distribution in the Southeastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe. The samples were collected in February-March 2013. Standard methods were employed on 80 samples across the four tenure regimes studied. Soil pH, percentage clay, silt, and sand were randomly measured across the four tenure regimes. The study results revealed that soil pH (p=0.475), % silt (p=0.172), % sand (p=0.907), available nitrogen (p=0.192), available phosphorus (p=0.247), and the mean tannin level (p=0.999) influenced the distribution of Imbrasia belina in the study area. Multiple comparison analysis showed that there were significant differences in percentage clay (p=0.044) between Gonakudzingwa Small-Scale Farms (GSSCF) and Chikombedzi Communal Area (CCA). However, Mwenezi Resettlement Area (MRA) and Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) results were insignificant for percentage silt (p=0.172) and percentage sand (p=0.907), respectively. The soil and foliar factors discussed are critical in determining Imbrasia belina distribution, forest health, and vitality.

Highlights

An important component of forest ecosystem is its ecological health status and the impact it has on sustainable growth
Evidence available suggests that new damaging agents are appearing at an increasing rate which could affect future sustainability of forest resources [1]. e effect of soil and foliar factors on distribution of Imbrasia belina is of critical importance so as to predict, map, and develop policy options for sustainable management as they follow their host Colophospermum mopane
The study did not explain what informs mopane tree distribution. erefore, Scientifica this study sought to establish whether the mopane tree and Imbrasia belina distribution is influenced by soil and foliar parameters. e study hypothesized that Imbrasia belina distribution was significantly influenced by the soil and foliar factors, and whether soil texture (i.e., % sand, % silt, and % clay) and foliar analysis (i.e., available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in parts per million in the soil), tannins (% catechin (CE)), soil pH, total amount of N and P in the droppings of Imbrasia belina and how these parameters influence Imbrasia belina distribution. e information is important in coming up with sustainable management decisions, which enhances planning and mapping of the natural resource

Summary

Introduction

An important component of forest ecosystem is its ecological health status and the impact it has on sustainable growth. E effect of soil and foliar factors on distribution of Imbrasia belina is of critical importance so as to predict, map, and develop policy options for sustainable management as they follow their host Colophospermum mopane (mopane tree). E mopane tree is a widespread and important woody species over much of southern Africa, between the Tropic of Capricorn and 10° south [2]. It is a xeric species of the savanna woodland forests, being found mostly on heavytextured soils in flat valley bottoms such as Zambezi, Okavango, Limpopo, Cunene, Shire, and Luangwa [3, 4]. The study did not explain what informs mopane tree distribution. erefore, Scientifica this study sought to establish whether the mopane tree and Imbrasia belina distribution is influenced by soil and foliar parameters. e study hypothesized that Imbrasia belina distribution was significantly influenced by the soil and foliar factors, and whether soil texture (i.e., % sand, % silt, and % clay) and foliar analysis (i.e., available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in parts per million (ppm) in the soil), tannins (% catechin (CE)), soil pH, total amount of N and P in the droppings of Imbrasia belina and how these parameters influence Imbrasia belina distribution. e information is important in coming up with sustainable management decisions, which enhances planning and mapping of the natural resource

Materials and Methods

Percent sand

Findings

Tenure regime