Influence of Soil Fertility on the Physiognomy of Colophospermum mopane in the South Luangwa Ecosystem, Zambia
- September 15, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
George Kampamba1, Leonard Mubila2, Seter Siziya3
1,2Copperbelt University, P. O. Box 71191, Ndola Road, Ndola, Zambia
3Department of Clinical Sciences, Public Health Unit, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, P. O. Box 71191, Ndola Road, Ndola, Zambia
Abstract:-The study aimed to develop a new understanding of environmental mechanisms at work in Colophospermum mopane that lead to the development of distinct tree height gradient (variation in horizontal and vertical structure). Thus, we investigated soil fertility as a possible environmental factor influencing the physiognomy of Colophospermum mopane. The study site in the national park was selected to represent dwarf mopane ≤3 meters tall whereas the site in the game management area was selected to represent >13 meters tall mopane. Field work involved collection of soil samples to investigate on estimation of organic matter, pH, phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium in soils under tall and dwarf mopane woodlands. IBM SPSS statistical package version 20 was used for data analysis. T-tests were used to show levels of significance in differences between dwarf and tall mopane woodlands. Findings of this study revealed that soils under coppiced mopane are nutrient richer with calcium, magnesium and sodium content than soils under tall mopane. These minerals may be influencing food quality Colophospermum mopane feed. However, phosphorous content in mg/kg is one and a fourth times more in tall mopane woodland of the game management area than in dwarf mopane woodland of the national park. Thus, it may be assumed that phosphorous deficiency in the national park is a possible environmental factor influencing the physiognomy of Colophospermum mopane since it can stunt plants. The management authority responsible for the national park should support further research and experiments to manipulate environmental stressors including addition of phosphorous fertilizer to understand the possible environmental factors influencing the physiognomy of Colophospermum mopane.
Keywords: Colophospermum mopane, ecosystem, physiognomy, soil fertility, Luangwa valley, Zambia
