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.