Re-establishment and maintenance of indigenous vegetation in South African road reserves: R.L. Dawson & J.P. Van der Breggen, in: Nature conservation 2: the role of corridors, ed D.A. Saunders & R.J. Hobbs, (Surrey Beatty), 1991, pp 327–332

Abstract

A deliberate effort is being made by the National Roads Department in South Africa to re-establish indigenous vegetation in road reserves. Topsoil containing seed of local species is replaced in the road reserve after construction. Indigenous grass species are preferred for inclusion in the basic hydroseeding mixture. In certain areas the hydroseeding operation is supplemented using seed of local shrub or heath (fynbos) vegetation which is harvested locally by hand, suction or brushcutting methods. Predominantly indigenous trees and shrubs are planted. Natural colonization by indigenous species from outside the road reserve is encouraged, where this does not conflict with traffic safety considerations. Invasive alien species are removed, and the heavy encroachment by native woody species is controlled. For the covering entry of the conference, see IRRD abstract no. 843352.