Soil data collected for a study on the Impact of livestock grazing intensity on the plant diversity of species-rich montane grassland in the northern Drakensberg, South Africa

This data was collected and digitised by Thamsanqa Alfred Shezi as part of his thesis, "Impact of livestock grazing intensity on the plant diversity of species-rich montane grassland in the northern Drakensberg, South Africa".

Soil environmental variables determined for each plot included levels of P, K, Ca, N, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, exchangeable acidity, acidity saturation, total cations, pH (KCl), organic carbon and percent clay. Soil form at each sampling location was identified by extracting a soil column (in the centre of the plot, on rocky plots it was moved slightly) using an auger. A column was carefully extracted depth by depth and laid out on plastic for identification of horizons from master through to subsoil horizons (Soil Classification Working Group and MacVicar 1991). Soil colour was determined using the Munsell Soil Colour book (Munsell colour charts 2009). Each soil horizon sample was sieved through a King Test sieve (2 mm aperture) in order to remove gravel and roots, packed, then sent to the Cedara Soils Analytical Services laboratory (Laboratories of Analytical Services, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) for analysis of chemistry and texture (Analytical methods used by the soil fertility and analytical services section, 2000 https://www.kzndard.gov.za/images/Documents/SOIL%20ANALYSIS/ANALYTICAL_METHODS_USED_BY_THE_SOIL_FERTILITY_AND_ANALYTICAL_SERVICES_SECTION.pdf).