Abstract
As part of a research programme on the synthesis of the vegetation of the western Grassland Biome, the plant communities of the D land type of the north-western Orange Free State were investigated. The results of a numerical classification (TWINSPAN) of 59 reievés were refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures. The analyses revealed eight plant communities which may be grouped into two major communities. A hierarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation of the plant communities, and an ordination (DECORANA) with associated environmental gradients, are presented.
Highlights
The necessity to identify and describe the major vege tation types and subtypes within the Grassland Biome was stated by Mentis & Huntley (1982) and Scheepers (1986)
The results of a numerical classification (TWINSPAN) of 59 reievés were refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures
The analyses revealed eight plant communities which may be grouped into two major communities
Summary
The necessity to identify and describe the major vege tation types and subtypes within the Grassland Biome was stated by Mentis & Huntley (1982) and Scheepers (1986). Extensive bottomland areas, representing the D land type (Land Type Survey Staff 1984) occur in the north western Orange Free State. The Db and Dc map units accommodate land where duplex soils with gleycutanic, pedocutanic and prismacutanic B horizons are predominant These map units comprise approximately 280 000 ha of the study area, with approximately 35 700 ha unsuitable for agriculture (Land Type Survey Staff 1984). The Dc and Db map units are mostly located in bottom land situations, such as in the valleys of the Vaal, Vais and Renoster Rivers, as well as in the Pan Veld situated in the Wesselsbron and Welkom Districts These map units are not suitable for agronomy, due to the high clay (> 3 5 % ) content of these bottomland soils, and land use is mainly restricted to sheep farming. In the vicinity of Kroonstad mudstone, shale and sandstone of the Adelaide Supergroup are predominant, with dolerite sills occurring here and there (Land Type Survey Staff 1984)
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