Evaluation of Restoration Techniques for the Succulent Karoo, South Africa

摘要: Possible constraints on the passive recovery of bare areas in Karoo, a semiarid region South Africa, include inadequate supply seed, availability suitable microsites for plant establishment, altered soil properties, and truncation key biotic processes. Here we investigate possibility initiating restoration by surface treatments with gypsum (CaSO 4 ) and/or organic mulch. We also apply an exogenous seed source to test hypothesis that limits autogenic recovery. Both mulch improved rain water infiltration, more so than mulch, both resulted significantly higher numbers reseeded seedlings compared controls. Gypsum survival cohorts larger seeded Tripteris sinuata. showed highest number (maximum count 150 seedlings/1,000 viable seeds sown) surviving plants three species, which included two small-seeded Ruschia spinosa Chaetobromus dregeanus. Throughout study period volumes naturally annuals perennials were recorded Germination emergence appears be determined cool season (autumn spring moisture, whereas follow-up rainfall during this time is important survival. Mulching Succulent Karoo has potential re-create vegetated will further capture conserve water, soil, nutrients. positive results but might not cost-effective option because transport costs these remote arid areas.