Bibliography: Land Degradation in South Africa project

made of the feeding behaviour of tame animals in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve in

northern Transvaal bushveld. Seasonal variations in acceptance / rejection

frequencies were used to assign plant species to palatability categores,

allowing for the effects of thorns on leaf accessibility. Palatable species

remained highly acceptable year-round, while unpalatable species were eaten

during restricted time periods. The design of appropriate acceptability indices

for particular animal species is discussed. Interrelationships between

palatability and leaf chemistry, soil nutrient status and inherent plant growth

rates are indicated.

Ref ID : 1944

1565. Paling, W., Stephenson, D., and James, C. Modular rainfall-runoff and

erosion modelling. Water Systems Research Group. Johannesburg:Wits University. ,

1989.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : EROSION

Ref ID : 1013

1566. Palmer, A.R. A qualitative model of vegetation history in the eastern Cape

midlands, South Africa. Journal of Biogeography 17:35-46, 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY; EASTERN CAPE; VEGETATION CHANGE; MODELS;

GRASSLAND; SAVANNA; NAMA KAROO; PALAEOENVIRONMENTS; SUCCULENT KAROO

Abstract : A qualitative model of the vegetation history during the glacial-

interglacial sequence in the Graaff-Reinet region of the eastern Cape is

presented. Using a descriptive approach, the distribution patterns of sixty-

eight taxa, which are differential species for Karoo Shrublands, Succulent

Thicket and Karoo Dwarf Shrublands, are investigated relative to the major

southern African biomes. The results indicate that a large proportion of the

differential species in the phytosociological classification show strong

affinity with Grassland and Savanna Biomes. Three species groups found in the

Dwarf Shrublands show strong affinities with the Nama-Karoo biome. The

differential species of the Succulent Thicket have a predominantly subtropical

distribution. Using an historical approach the palaeoenvironment of the region

during the past 20 000 years is discussed briefly. On the basis of the

descriptive and historical perspectives, the following hypothesis is presented.

The general vegetation history of the eastern Cape midlands is a product of

comparatively recent climatic change The Succulent Thicket may have become

established on edaphically favourable sites in the ameliorating conditions of

the warmer, wetter Holocene subsequent to the Last Glacial Maximum. The Dwarf

Shrubland and Succulent Dwarf Shrubland are depauperate in relation to

communities in other southern African biomes, but the relatively large number of

endemics suggests a long history in the region. Their differential species

groups occur under arid conditions, accompanied by soils with high base and

fertility status. The Dwarf Shrublands may have been more extensive during the

drier glacial times on those sites currently occupied by Shrubland. The

Shrublands display the expected affinity with the Grassland and Savanna Biomes.

The small number of endemics suggest that these communities may have occupied

the region in the period since the Last Glacial Maximum. Species with Succulent

Karoo Biome affinity are poorly represented.

Ref ID : 2439

1567. Palmer, A.R. Grazing capacity information system (GCIS).

Grahamstown:Agricultural Research Council. , 1999.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : MODELS; RAINFALL; CARRYING CAPACITY; CLIMATE CHANGE; AGRICULTURAL

PRODUCTION

Notes : The Grazing Capacity Information System (GCIS) is based on a production

model originally developed by Le Houerou, Bingham and Skerbek(1988) and

described by the formula: P = (1 + B. (r-R) /R ).r.RUE, where P = production for

the given year (kg DM per ha per year); r = rainfall in a given year; R = median

annual rainfall, long term; B = CVP/CVR (coefficient of variation in production

over coefficient of variation in rainfall); and RUE = rain use efficiency.

Primary production and hence short term carrying capacity depends on a number of

local climatic conditions, including rainfall. Variation in primary production

is linked to variation in rainfall amount and distribution. Variability in both

is directly related to aridity. Le Houerou et al, (1988) relate mean annual

primary production to three important indices namely; annual rainfall; rain use

efficiency (RUE) and the ratio of variability in production to variability in

rainfall (B).

Ref ID : 2371

1568. Palmer, A.R., Crook, B.J.S., and Lulke, R.A. Aspects of vegetation and

soil relationships in the Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, Cape Province. South

African Journal of Botany , 1988.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : METHODOLOGIES; GRASSLAND; EASTERN CAPE; SOIL PROPERTIES; VEGETATION

DYNAMICS; SUCCULENT KAROO

Notes : The objectives of the research were to examine vegetation aspects and

soil relationships in the Andries Vosloo Kudu reserve in the Cape Province. 1.

Soil samples were collected from 31 permanent 100-m2 quadrats in single

operation in August 1981. 2. The samples were placed in separate watertight

bags for transfer to the laboratory. Other specific details of the methodology

can be seen in the main paper. Grassland samples in the dwarf shrub land and in

the succulent bush clump Portulacaria afra - Ruellia cordata were in a separate

subset. Other specific details of the results are found in the main paper. This

article can be obtained at Rhodes University, Grahamstown. See ref. I.D. no:

2339.

Ref ID : 203

1569. Palmer, A.R., Hobson, C.G., and Hoffman, M.T. Vegetation change in a semi-

arid succulent dwarf shrubland in the eastern Cape, South Africa. South African

Journal of Science 86:392-396, 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : VEGETATION CHANGE; MONITORING; VEGETATION DYNAMICS; KAROO

DESERTIFICATION; NAMA KAROO; VELD MANAGEMENT

Abstract : A model of vegetation change in the succulent dwarf shrublands of the

Camdebo plain, eastern Cape, is presented using the results of eight 2000-point

samples collected from 1950 to 1988. Three models are developed using reciprocal

averaging, two-way indicator species analysis and trend analysis. All the models

suggest a gradient of change from 1950 to 1988. This gradient is examined for

trend using component line charts of basal cover with 95% confidence limits. The

analysis shows an increase in annual and perennial grasses (Poaceae),

fluctuations in perennial dwarf shrubs, returning to the 1956 levels in 1988,

and stability in succulent dwarf shrubs (Aizoaceae and Mesembryanthemaceae).

Comparison with an adjacent paired plot, subjected to short-duration grazing,

suggests that these changes are a consequence of favourable management by the

grazier. Changes in rainfall seasonality did not provide an explanation for the

fluctuations in grasses and perennial dwarf shrubs. Time series analysis of

rainfall data confirmed the presence of a wet-dry oscillation.

Ref ID : 244

1570. Palmer, A.R. and Hoffman, M.T. Nama-karoo. In: Vegetation of Southern

Africa. edited by Cowling, R.M., Richardson, D.M., and Pierce,

S.M.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press, 1997,p. 167-188.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : NAMA KAROO; KAROO DESERTIFICATION; BOTANICAL SURVEY; SOUTHERN AFRICA;

POLICY; LAND DEGRADATION; CLIMATE CHANGE; VEGETATION CHANGE

Notes : The authors conclude that the Nama-karoo biome has not attracted the

same level of ecological interest as have the other biomes of southern Africa.

Efforts to focus on the biome by research agencies (notably the Foundation for

Research Development) were short-lived. Although the contributions from the

agricultural institutes in the region have been considerable, their research has

seldom been published in the primary literature. Where they have made important

ecological contributions is in describing the composition and structure of the

vegetation of the region. Despite this work, however, and despite more than a

century of scientific investigation, the functioning of Nama-karoo communities

and ecosystems is still poorly developed. This paucity of ecological knowledge

of the region is regrettable for a number of reasons. The Nama-karoo biome

covers an extensive area on the subcontinent and, largely as a result of its

size and central location, it abuts on all the other major biomes of the

subcontient. It also exists at the arid end of a moisture gradient which extends

into adjacent, more productive vegetation types, especially on its southern and

eastern margins. Degradation of these more mesic regions is thought to

facilitate the expansion of typical Nama-karoo species and a general 'expanding

karoo' hypothesis has had a profound influence on agricultural policy and

financial commitment in the past and continues to do so today. Despite recent

attempts to discount the severity and extent of land degradation in the Karoo

the matter has not been laid to rest. It is crucial that there is renewed

ecological interest in the region, not only to develop a deeper ecological

understanding of the Nama-karoo biome itself but also to understand its dynamics

in relation to the vegetation of the rest of the subcontinent. Extensive

pastoralism and wildlife ranching continue to be the major economic activities

in the biome. Future research priorities should focus on these activities and

include a re-assessment of herbivore preference tables, which have been

presented for the dominant taxa in the biome. Preliminary results suggest that

taxa vary both in photosynthetic rate and palatability, depending on substratum.

Patchiness in the distribution of resources in the landscape appears to impact

on the productivity and dynamics of the ecosystem, with both wild and domestic

herbivores showing seasonal and spatial preferences for patches. Elucidation of

these trends will impact significantly on the rangeland condition assessment

techniques currently being applied by pastoralists. Within the framework of

global climate-change scenarios, testable predictions should be made on the

direction that vegetation changes will take in the biome. Long-term climatic

records in the biome are vital to our continued understanding of climatic

processes, and with the reduction in the number of manned recording stations,

due to de-population, the time length and spatial extent of records is

declining.

Ref ID : 1167

1571. Palmer, A.R., Tanser, F., and Hintsa, M.D. Using satellite imagery to map

and inventorize vegetation status for the Eastern Cape Province. 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : REMOTE SENSING; SATELLITE IMAGERY; EASTERN CAPE

Ref ID : 2309

1572. Palmer, A.R., Tanser, F., and Hintsa, M.D. Using satellite imagery to map

and inventorize vegetation status for the eastern Cape province. ARC-Range &

Forest Institute. Grahamstown:ARC-Range & Forest Institute. , 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SATELLITE IMAGERY; MAPS; EASTERN CAPE; MODELS

Notes : The authors conclude that the veld types in the region are generally in

a moderate to poor condition. The model of Tongway & Ludwig (1997) has

generally been confirmed for the condition of veld in the eastern Cape. The

technique has provided a method which is not dependent upon the vegetation type

being explored. This means that the stratification of the rangeland on the

basis of vegetation types is not necessary, and the same technique can be

applied across the landscape. The technique also permits us to evaluate the

rate at which desertification is taking place in the province. This is

accompanied by a loss of production from the rangeland. Tanser (1997) and

Palmer & Van Rooyen (1997) confirmed this more fully after exploring the MSDI

and NDVI in five different images from five different regions. In the shallow

soils of the eastern Cape, Karoo, Drakensberg and Namaqualand, there was a

negative relationship between MSDI and NDVI i.e. as MSDI increased (condition

declined) the NDVI increased. The NDVI is a satellite derived index of

photosynthetic activity, and can be equated to production. The increase in MSDI

in natural rangeland can be confidently equated with a decrease in annual

production. The technique is extremely cost-effective, as only one band (R1600

per band in 1996) had to be purchased for each scene, and processing was

completed on a Pentium with IDRISI.

Ref ID : 329

1573. Palmer, D.L. and Griffiths, P.G. The erosion problem on chicory lands.

Dohne Agric 6(1):34-35, 1984.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; CULTIVATION; EROSION; FLOODS

Notes : The authors note that with good, but not abnormal rains in July 1983, it

was once again revealed that serious erosion is taking place on chicory lands.

Soil losses are far exceeding the soil formation process and are thus considered

to be beyond all reasonably acceptable limits. However, as long as virgin soil

is available and the bush clearing process continues, the trend could continue

without adversely affecting the economics of the industry in the short term.

This can only lead the chicory industry into disrepute. The authors suggest

that, although contouring is not in itself a solution to the problem, it does go

some way to improving matters if a few rules are adhered to, such as: (1)

natural watercourses must be retained and established to good grass cover; (2)

no flood water must be allowed to enter the land from adjacent fields and

satisfactory stormwater drains must be constructed; (3) with the present

cultivation practices water will inevitably be silt-laden at times and this silt

must not be allowed to deposit in the contour canals; (4) contours should be

short and not exceed 200 metres' flow in any direction; (5) ridges should be

parallel to the upper contour; (6) canals should be cleared in the annual soil

preparation process; (7) a crop rotation system must be followed; and (8) lands

with slopes exceeding 12% should not be used for chicory production, but be

under permanent plant cover.

Ref ID : 2525

1574. Palmer, R. Rural adaptations in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Working

Paper no. 11, published in ISBN 99911-31-24-8.Anonymous Working Paper no. 11,

1997.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : EASTERN CAPE; CISKEI; CULTIVATION; LESOTHO; GENDER ASPECTS;

SETTLEMENT IMPACTS; LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Notes : The study focuses on two villages, Gwabeni and Gcinisa in the Ciskei

"homeland". It investigates the interplay between gender, household and

environmental change in a specific national context at the grass roots level.

It also highlights an "alien" method of environmental control, behaviour and

perceptions at village level in an underdeveloped area. Data was collected by

primary qualitative methods, in the field or villages where respondents or

participants held discussions with research groups. Data was also collected by

secondary sources through desktop studies. Given the use of resources, the most

conveniently situated location differed for people living in different parts of

the village. Scattered settlement patterns made sense in practical and

environmental terms where natural resources were widely distributed. Field

cultivation was found to be sharply decreasing in both Gwabeni and Gcinisa.

There are several other findings in the study related to field cultivation,

stock farming, and garden cultivation. This working paper is obtainable from

the Institute of Southern African Studies, National University of Lesotho, Roma,

and ISER, Rhodes. See also ID ref. no. 2339.

Ref ID : 2170

1575. Palmer, R.W. Invertebrates in the Orange River, with emphasis on

conservation and management. South African Journal of Aquatic Sciences

22(1/2):3-51, 1996.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : CONSERVATION

Ref ID : 2171

1576. Palmer, R.W. and O'Keeffe, J.H. Transported material in a small river with

multiple impoundments. Freshwater Biology 24:563-575, 1990.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 1945

1577. Park, S.W., Mitchel, J.K., and Scarborough, J.N. Soil erosion simulation

on small watersheds: a modified ANSWERS model. Transactions of the ASAE

25(6):1581-1588, 1982.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; EROSION; MODELS

Ref ID : 908

1578. Parker, D. The western Cape lowland fynbos: What is there left to

conserve?! Veld & Flora 68(4):98-101, 1982.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : FYNBOS; WESTERN CAPE; CONSERVATION; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT

Notes : The area in question, which was the subject of the Lowlands Symposium,

stretches from the Olifants River in the north to the False Bay coast in the

south. The variation of the fynbos over this region is so marked that plant

geographers have subdivided it into three principal groups for the purposes of

establishing truly representative areas for conservation needs. Data which have

been collected by the Threatened Plants Group of the National Programme for

Environmental Sciences have shown that this area carries a total of 270

critically rare, threatened or recently extinct taxa of flowering plants and

ferns. The article describes most serious regional loss of plants in the area;

important ecotonal zones; and ignorance, obstinancy and errors.

Ref ID : 2302

1579. Parsons, R. and Jolly, J. The development of a systematic method for

evaluating site suitability for waste disposal based on geohydrological

criteria.Anonymous Pretoria:Water Research Commission. 485/1/94, 1994.

Reprint : In File,

Notes : The authors conclude that, based on all the reliable waste disposal site

data currently available in SA and the work performed during the research

programme, WASP was found to be capable of providing an accurate and quantified

assessment of a site's suitability for waste disposal, based on geohydrological

criteria. WASP now needs to be applied to a wide range of waste and

geohydrological conditions. Once applied, the performance of the procedure can

then be re-assessed. The objectives of the research project have been achieved

by the development, verification and validation of the Waste-Aquifer Separation

Principle, abbreviated as WASP. The method was based on 29 methods used

throughout the world, but was developed to suit South African conditions. All

reliable waste disposal site data currently available were used in the

verification of the method while the validation of WASP was based on information

from ten well-studied facilities spread throughout the country. A data

reliability rating is coupled to the WASP Index and this allows the value and

reliability of the obtained Index to be readily apparent. A degree of

flexibility is allowed for in the procedure in order to accommodate special or

unique considerations and circumstances. WASP does not, however, replace the

need for appropriate data nor the need for the assessor to be suitably qualified

and experienced in geohydrology.

Ref ID : 809

1580. Parsons, R. and Tredoux, G. The development of a strategy to monitor

groundwater on a national scale.Anonymous Pretoria:Water Research Commission.

482/1/93, 1993.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : HYDROLOGY

Ref ID : 418

1581. Parsons, R. and Tredoux, G. Monitoring groundwater quality in South

Africa: Development of a national strategy. Water SA 21(2):113-116, 1995.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : HYDROLOGY; MONITORING

Abstract : Little is known about the temporal distribution of groundwater

quality on a national scale in SA. The effective management of the country's

groundwater resources is thus difficult and the need exists for a national

network for monitoring groundwater. A literature-based project was initiated

with the aim of identifying practical strategies to be used in the establishment

of the desired network. Prior to identifying possible strategies, a statement

on monitoring network objectives was developed. Cognisance of special

constraints and considerations such as responsibility and funding was also

taken. Various approaches and strategies for establishing national or regional

monitoring networks were evaluated, the most appropriate of which were proposed

for use in the establishment of a South African network. The strategies

considered aspects such as information needs, available resources, monitoring

frequencies, funding and the use of a pilot-scale study to initiate the network.

A network manager and a Review Committee should be appointed and be responsible

for the establishment of the network. Some technical issues had to be

considered owing to their impact on the strategies to be adopted. Empirical and

hierarchical approaches to the development of the network were considered

essential. Work on the network has subsequently started and many of the

proposed strategies have been adopted.

Ref ID : 1716

1582. Partridge, T.C. Origin and peopling of the Kalahari. South African Journal

of Science 88:119-120, 1992.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : POPULATION; MONITORING

Notes : This is a book review. The book is titled: The Kalahari Environment and

its author is S.G. Thomas and P.A. Shaw. The author says that few areas of

Africa have seized the imagination of explorers and writers as persistently as

the Kalahari, but no comprehensive treatment of its landscape and people has, in

fact, been attempted since the appearance of Siegfried Passarge's Die Kalahari

in 1904. The present volume is said to be handsomely produced and goes far

towards providing an up-to-date and broad-ranging scientific account of this

fascinating area.

Ref ID : 2228

1583. Partridge, T.C. Evolution of landscapes. In: Vegetation of southern

Africa, edited by Cowling, R.M., Richardson, D.M., and Pierce,

S.M.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press, 1997,p. 5-20.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOUTHERN AFRICA

Ref ID : 1255

1584. Peard, R.H. A tribute to the Soil Conservation Committees of Natal: a

review of their achievments date, Natal:Department of Agriculture & Fisheries,