A vegetation classification and description of five wetland systems and their respective zones on the Maputaland Coastal Plain
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Authors
Pretorius, Mathilde Luïse
Issue Date
2012-02
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Maputaland Coastal Plain , Sandy Coastal Aquifer , Wetland delineation , Zone delineation , Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale , Phytosociological classification , Vegetation description , Substrate type , Hydrological regime
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Maputaland Coastal Plain in Kwa Zulu-Natal is covered by aeolian sands . According to the
national wetland delineation manual delineating wetlands in this area is complex due to
problematic wetland soils. The aim of this study was to classify and describe the vegetation of
the different zones of the wetland systems to determine the main drivers of the plant
communities. The understanding of these complex ecosystems could assist in wetland
delineation. Twenty wetlands from five wetland systems were surveyed. The vegetation zones
of each wetland were sampled and basic environmental data were collected.
The results from this study indicate that different plant species assemblages are characteristic
for the wetland zones. However, zone delineation using vegetation composition varies between
the different wetland systems, and should be evaluated according to the system in question.
The major determinants of the vegetation communities in wetlands on the MCP are the
substrate type and hydrological regime
Description
Citation
Pretorius, Mathilde Luïse (2013) A vegetation classification and description of five wetland sysems and their respective zones on the Maputuland Coastal Plain, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/9470>
Publisher
License
University of South Africa