Firebreaks and their effect on vegetation composition and diversity in grasslands of Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa

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dc.contributor.authorvan Aardt, Andri C.
dc.contributor.authorvde Jager, J. C. Linde
dc.contributor.authorvan Tol, Johan J.
dc.date.accessioned2024-08-16T14:15:22Z
dc.date.available2024-08-16T14:15:22Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractSouthern African grasslands with a rich flora, shaped by fire, grazing, climate and geology, as well as playing a role in carbon sequestration, are becoming more important in conservation. Fire is often used as a management tool to improve vegetation and to protect property against uncontrolled fire. We therefore attempt to determine the effect consecutive burning has on vegetation. Paired plots along firebreaks were used to collect vegetation data using the Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale. Soil samples were also collected to determine the impact of fire on below-ground nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) stocks and ratios. The results indicate that there is no difference between the plant communities of the firebreaks and the adjacent grassland; however, there are certain species that are favoured by firebreaks and others by the adjacent grassland. There is also no difference in diversity between the firebreaks and adjacent grassland areas. Carbon and nitrogen stocks as well as C:N ratios did not differ significantly between the firebreaks and the adjacent grassland plots although trends indicate a decline in both C and N with repeated burning.
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.identifier.citationvan Aardt, A. C., de Jager, J. C. L., & van Tol, J. J. (2024). Firebreaks and their effect on vegetation composition and diversity in grasslands of Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa. Diversity. 16(7):373. https://doi.org/10.3390/d16070373
dc.identifier.issn1424-2818 (online)
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.3390/d16070373
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11660/12741
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherMDPI
dc.rights.holderAuthor(s)
dc.rights.licensehttps://www.mdpi.com/about/openaccess
dc.subjectFire
dc.subjectcommunity composition
dc.subjectvegetation
dc.subjectdiversity
dc.subjectnitrogen
dc.subjectcarbon
dc.titleFirebreaks and their effect on vegetation composition and diversity in grasslands of Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa
dc.typeArticle
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