The Factors Affecting Forest Colonisation of Fynbos in the Absence of Recurrent Fire at Orange Kloof, Cape Province, South Africa

SYNOPSIS

Recent investigations have pointed to soil moisture as being the factor controlling the extent of the forest-fynbos ecotone. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of soil texture and soil nutrient status on forest margin dynamics. Data analysis revealed a clear distinction between forested and fynbos plots which was also reflected in environmental variables. Forested plots had a lower percentage sand content and a higher percentage silt, cation exchange capacity, total cations, pH, phosphorus content and theoretical moisture index than fynbos plots. Soils of forested plots were deeper and the more senescent vegetation had a greater regeneration capacity than fynbos plots.

Seed dispersal by birds may account for unexplained discrepancies in correlating vegetation and edaphic factors.