The vegetation types and management units of Goedverwacht farm in the mixed bushveld of the Northern Province, South Africa

Abstract

An analysis of the vegetation of Goedverwacht farm in the mixed bushveld of the Northern Province is presented. Relevés were compiled in 33 stratified random sample plots. Eight distinct plant communities were identified by means of Braun-Blanquet procedures. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was applied to the floristic data set using the computer programme DECORANA (Detrended Correspondence Analysis) to determine a probable environmental gradient and to facilitate in the identification of management units. The computer programme CANOCO (Canonical Correspondence Analysis) was used to apply canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to the floristic data set. Two management units were determined by means of vegetation ordinations and soil data. A classification, description and ecological interpretation of the plant communities as well as a description of the management units are presented.