Transplant experiments to restore old fields with indigenous flora
Charl Clarke (Hons), Lanja Oosthuizen (Hons), Lene Cronje (hons)
Supervisor: Stefan Siebert
Rationale
Old fields are created through exogenous disturbance which alters the soil profile to such an extent that native plant diversity is lost. It is known that old fields in grassland can remain for over 100 years without recovering. This study tests the introduction of propagules as a means to allow for restoration of these degraded systems. We specifically ask the question whether old fields soils are unsuitable for indigenous plant growth, or whether it is just a case of seed distribution of grassland species just being limiting.
Objectives
- Transplant three species of geophytes into old fields.
- Monitor their monthly growth parameters.
- Record the survival rate.
- Analyse the soil chemical and physical properties.
Expected outcomes
3 x Hons degrees; 1 x Manuscript; Long-term monitoring dataset.
Project status
In progress
No preliminary results available yet.
Presentation: Pot trials before transplant at METSI
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Nerine sp.
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Nerine potting trial
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Localised seed dispersal - Haemanthus sp.
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Haemanthus potting tiral
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Crinum sp.
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Haemanthus sp.
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