Biotic determinants of soil characteristics in the Northern Plains of Kruger National Park

The study investigates the effects that changing herbivory patterns in the Northern Plains of Kruger
National Park have had on vegetation structure and composition and on soil characteristics, both
chemical and physical. Type I herbivores such as zebra and buffalo have encroached into the area,
which has been historically inhabited by type II herbivores such as roan and sable. The study found
that the more intense and less selective grazing associated with type I herbivores has had a marked
effect on vegetation and soil chemical characteristics. Overall grass and tree cover has decreased,
and the size of the remaining trees is reduced. Colophospermum mopane seems to thrive especially
under disturbance conditions. Calcium, available phosphorus, salinity, and pH have homogenized
under the influence of type I grazers, while organic carbon and total nitrogen have diversified.
Differential land use patterns and grazing habits of type I and type II herbivores may drive these
changes. However, until these patterns are better understood, their role in determining vegetation
and soil properties will remain unclear.