Vegetation Transformation, Functional Compensation, and Soil Health in a Semi-Arid Environment

Abstract

Earthworm densities, mesofaunal and microbiological feeding activity, and soil moisture were measured as indicators of soil health. Fence line contrast sites were used to compare soil organism communities, infiltration rates and soil temperatures of natural vegetation remnants with adjacent transformed lands. Natural remnants retain soil moisture and contain more active soil fauna. Effects of land transformation are demonstrated by a 6.3°C increased soil temperatures. Transformation favoured earthworms with 14 worms per 0.25 m³ found in transformed areas compared with an average of four worms found in remnants. Infiltration rates were 4.8 times faster where earthworm casting was present.

Keywords:

• earthworms
• ecosystem services
• functional compensation
• renosterveld
• soil faunal
• vegetation transformation

The authors would like to thank Mazda Wildlife for the providing the vehicle for field work; World Bank's Global Environment facility; and colleagues Koot Reinecke, Sophie Reinecke, and Randal Albertus for their assistance.

Notes

NS: not significant.

NS: not significant.