The deforestation of riparian areas is a major concern in southern Africa. These areas are characterized as fragile ecosystems which contribute largely to the regional and global biodiversity of the world. It is therefore important to restore these degraded areas along the natural rivers of South Africa to ensure the sustainability and biodiversity of riparian corridors. Riparian areas inside the National Parks of South Africa, and especially in Mapungubwe National Park, have a high esthetical value and should be preserved for future generations. The study was conducted in the Mapungubwe National Park, which is listed as a cultural world heritage site. Plans are in place to convert it into one of Africa's biggest Transfrontier Parks, called the Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), which will be situated between neighbouring countries Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The main purpose of this project was to establish a demonstration site for the restoration of degraded, previously cultivated lands in the deforested riparian areas in the Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo Province. Another aim of the project was to evaluate the theoretical assumption that the growth of trees on so called "activity lines" in the environment due to geological and soil characteristics is enhanced. "Activity lines" were identified by Mr. Lynn van Rooyen of South African National Parks (SANParks) and trees of which the growth was tested, were planted both on and off "activity lines". The selection of the right type of trees for the restoration of the deforested riparian areas during active restoration applications is very important and depends on a multitude of factors. These factors include aspects such as the location with its specific vegetation, soil type and climatic conditions, the historical background of the management practices such as previous land uses, as well as other environmental impacts that previously occurred in the area to be restored. The latter can be gained through interviews with previous and present managers of the area, as well as maps, reports and aerial photographs. Ten different indigenous tree species that previously occurred in the area were planted in an experimental demonstration site of approximately 70ha, which was enclosed by an electrical game fence. The ten tree species that were evaluated included: Faidherbia albida (Ana tree), Acacia nigrescens (Knob thorn), Acacia tortilis (Umbrella thorn), Schotia brachypetala (Weeping boer-bean), Acacia xanthophloea (Fever tree), Lonchocarpus capassa, recently renamed Philenoptera violacea (Apple-leaf), Salvadora australis (Narrow-leaved mustard tree), Adansonia digitata (Baobab), Combretum imberbe (Leadwood) and Xanthocercis zambesiaca (Nyala tree). With the aid of aerial photographs, phytosociological studies, interviews with previous and present land users and managers, as well as existing surrounding vegetation, four different zones within the enclosure were identified according to ecotones. The establishment, growth and survival rate of the different tree species were monitored using morphological and physiological vegetation sampling techniques, as well as leaf component analyses on individuals of selected species. Soil physical and chemical analyses were carried out in the four different blocks identified within the experimental site. Data analysis was carried out on both the soil and leaf component analyses using the CANOCO-package. The establishment of the experimental site was successful, and important information was collected on various aspects of restoration activities. Positive growth effects were also observed in certain indigenous tree species concerning the "activity line" effect, especially with regard to Acacia tortilis and Combretum imberbe. However, the preliminary results obtained through this pilot study showed no conclusive evidence to what exactly stimulated the enhanced growth phenomena observed in certain individual tree species planted on "activity lines". Additional watering was identified as the most important factor contributing to successful establishment and growth of indigenous tree species in this semi-arid area. Various results showed a multiplying effect when a combination of additional watering and "activity lines" was applied. It was concluded that, should any further restoration work be conducted in the degraded areas of the Mapungubwe National Park, the planting of trees should be done on "activity lines" and with the addition of water. This will result in higher establishment rates of transplanted trees and speed up the succession processes involved in the natural "healing process" of degraded areas. Parameters that should be used for monitoring tree growth include the trunk thickness at the base, trunk thickness at 30cm from the base, and the length of the tree in its natural growth form. Recommendations were also made as reference for future restoration practices to ensure better and more successful and sustainable outcomes in the planting of trees. These include the use of nurse plants such as Acacia tortilis and Salvadora australis to establish a more favourable microclimate for climax species, as well as the establishment of a preferred herbaceous layer. Care should be taken in the period required for the cultivation of indigenous trees before they are transplanted into the field, as a prolonged cultivation period could lead to a circular growth form of the root system, preventing sufficient penetration ability of the roots into deeper, more nutrient rich soils. Before trees can be planted into the field, a hardening period must be applied to all seedlings for at least a three week period. This entails the exposure to more direct sunlight for longer periods as well as a reduction in the water applied weekly. Special attention should be paid to the stresses caused by herbivory, especially that of termites and porcupines. The maintenance of the exclosure is a critical factor contributing to the successful outcomes of this particular restoration project. Problem animals, especially elephants, should be kept out of the exclosure at all costs. The results of this project can be used in this ongoing restoration program, as well as in other related projects in semi-arid, degraded savannah areas over the long-term. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Botany))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Der Bericht gibt einen Überblick über den Umfang der bewässerten landwirtschaftlichen Fläche in Sachsen und die bewässerten Kulturarten. Verschiedene Bewässerungsverfahren und -techniken sowie Steuerungsmodelle werden vorgestellt und bewertet. Weiterhin sind die Ergebnisse von Wirtschaftlichkeitsuntersuchungen dargestellt. Die Bewässerungsfläche in der sächsischen Landwirtschaft entspricht nur 0,4 % der landwirtschaftlichen Nutzfläche, zeigt aber auf Grund verstärkter Frühsommertrockenheit eine steigende Tendenz. Gemüse, Obst und Kartoffeln sind die am häufigsten bewässerten Kulturarten. Mobile Beregnungsmaschinen (Schlauchtrommeln) mit Großregnern dominieren, Kreis– und Linearberegnungsmaschinen sind allerdings umwelt– und ressourcenschonender. Für die Optimierung hinsichtlich Wasserverbrauch und Wirtschaftlichkeit stehen Softwarelösungen und Beratungsdienste zur Verfügung. Die Bewässerung ist bei gezielter Steuerung und bei beregnungswürdigen Fruchtarten meist wirtschaftlich.

The deforestation of riparian areas is a major concern in southern Africa. These areas are characterized as fragile ecosystems which contribute largely to the regional and global biodiversity of the world. It is therefore important to restore these degraded areas along the natural rivers of South Africa to ensure the sustainability and biodiversity of riparian corridors. Riparian areas inside the National Parks of South Africa, and especially in Mapungubwe National Park, have a high esthetical value and should be preserved for future generations. The study was conducted in the Mapungubwe National Park, which is listed as a cultural world heritage site. Plans are in place to convert it into one of Africa's biggest Transfrontier Parks, called the Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), which will be situated between neighbouring countries Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The main purpose of this project was to establish a demonstration site for the restoration of degraded, previously cultivated lands in the deforested riparian areas in the Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo Province. Another aim of the project was to evaluate the theoretical assumption that the growth of trees on so called "activity lines" in the environment due to geological and soil characteristics is enhanced. "Activity lines" were identified by Mr. Lynn van Rooyen of South African National Parks (SANParks) and trees of which the growth was tested, were planted both on and off "activity lines". The selection of the right type of trees for the restoration of the deforested riparian areas during active restoration applications is very important and depends on a multitude of factors. These factors include aspects such as the location with its specific vegetation, soil type and climatic conditions, the historical background of the management practices such as previous land uses, as well as other environmental impacts that previously occurred in the area to be restored. The latter can be gained through interviews with previous and present managers of the area, as well as maps, reports and aerial photographs. Ten different indigenous tree species that previously occurred in the area were planted in an experimental demonstration site of approximately 70ha, which was enclosed by an electrical game fence. The ten tree species that were evaluated included: Faidherbia albida (Ana tree), Acacia nigrescens (Knob thorn), Acacia tortilis (Umbrella thorn), Schotia brachypetala (Weeping boer-bean), Acacia xanthophloea (Fever tree), Lonchocarpus capassa, recently renamed Philenoptera violacea (Apple-leaf), Salvadora australis (Narrow-leaved mustard tree), Adansonia digitata (Baobab), Combretum imberbe (Leadwood) and Xanthocercis zambesiaca (Nyala tree). With the aid of aerial photographs, phytosociological studies, interviews with previous and present land users and managers, as well as existing surrounding vegetation, four different zones within the enclosure were identified according to ecotones. The establishment, growth and survival rate of the different tree species were monitored using morphological and physiological vegetation sampling techniques, as well as leaf component analyses on individuals of selected species. Soil physical and chemical analyses were carried out in the four different blocks identified within the experimental site. Data analysis was carried out on both the soil and leaf component analyses using the CANOCO-package. The establishment of the experimental site was successful, and important information was collected on various aspects of restoration activities. Positive growth effects were also observed in certain indigenous tree species concerning the "activity line" effect, especially with regard to Acacia tortilis and Combretum imberbe. However, the preliminary results obtained through this pilot study showed no conclusive evidence to what exactly stimulated the enhanced growth phenomena observed in certain individual tree species planted on "activity lines". Additional watering was identified as the most important factor contributing to successful establishment and growth of indigenous tree species in this semi-arid area. Various results showed a multiplying effect when a combination of additional watering and "activity lines" was applied. It was concluded that, should any further restoration work be conducted in the degraded areas of the Mapungubwe National Park, the planting of trees should be done on "activity lines" and with the addition of water. This will result in higher establishment rates of transplanted trees and speed up the succession processes involved in the natural "healing process" of degraded areas. Parameters that should be used for monitoring tree growth include the trunk thickness at the base, trunk thickness at 30cm from the base, and the length of the tree in its natural growth form. Recommendations were also made as reference for future restoration practices to ensure better and more successful and sustainable outcomes in the planting of trees. These include the use of nurse plants such as Acacia tortilis and Salvadora australis to establish a more favourable microclimate for climax species, as well as the establishment of a preferred herbaceous layer. Care should be taken in the period required for the cultivation of indigenous trees before they are transplanted into the field, as a prolonged cultivation period could lead to a circular growth form of the root system, preventing sufficient penetration ability of the roots into deeper, more nutrient rich soils. Before trees can be planted into the field, a hardening period must be applied to all seedlings for at least a three week period. This entails the exposure to more direct sunlight for longer periods as well as a reduction in the water applied weekly. Special attention should be paid to the stresses caused by herbivory, especially that of termites and porcupines. The maintenance of the exclosure is a critical factor contributing to the successful outcomes of this particular restoration project. Problem animals, especially elephants, should be kept out of the exclosure at all costs. The results of this project can be used in this ongoing restoration program, as well as in other related projects in semi-arid, degraded savannah areas over the long-term. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Botany))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The deforestation of riparian areas is a major concern in southern Africa. These areas are characterized as fragile ecosystems which contribute largely to the regional and global biodiversity of the world. It is therefore important to restore these degraded areas along the natural rivers of South Africa to ensure the sustainability and biodiversity of riparian corridors. Riparian areas inside the National Parks of South Africa, and especially in Mapungubwe National Park, have a high esthetical value and should be preserved for future generations. The study was conducted in the Mapungubwe National Park, which is listed as a cultural world heritage site. Plans are in place to convert it into one of Africa's biggest Transfrontier Parks, called the Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), which will be situated between neighbouring countries Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The main purpose of this project was to establish a demonstration site for the restoration of degraded, previously cultivated lands in the deforested riparian areas in the Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo Province. Another aim of the project was to evaluate the theoretical assumption that the growth of trees on so called "activity lines" in the environment due to geological and soil characteristics is enhanced. "Activity lines" were identified by Mr. Lynn van Rooyen of South African National Parks (SANParks) and trees of which the growth was tested, were planted both on and off "activity lines". The selection of the right type of trees for the restoration of the deforested riparian areas during active restoration applications is very important and depends on a multitude of factors. These factors include aspects such as the location with its specific vegetation, soil type and climatic conditions, the historical background of the management practices such as previous land uses, as well as other environmental impacts that previously occurred in the area to be restored. The latter can be gained through interviews with previous and present managers of the area, as well as maps, reports and aerial photographs. Ten different indigenous tree species that previously occurred in the area were planted in an experimental demonstration site of approximately 70ha, which was enclosed by an electrical game fence. The ten tree species that were evaluated included: Faidherbia albida (Ana tree), Acacia nigrescens (Knob thorn), Acacia tortilis (Umbrella thorn), Schotia brachypetala (Weeping boer-bean), Acacia xanthophloea (Fever tree), Lonchocarpus capassa, recently renamed Philenoptera violacea (Apple-leaf), Salvadora australis (Narrow-leaved mustard tree), Adansonia digitata (Baobab), Combretum imberbe (Leadwood) and Xanthocercis zambesiaca (Nyala tree). With the aid of aerial photographs, phytosociological studies, interviews with previous and present land users and managers, as well as existing surrounding vegetation, four different zones within the enclosure were identified according to ecotones. The establishment, growth and survival rate of the different tree species were monitored using morphological and physiological vegetation sampling techniques, as well as leaf component analyses on individuals of selected species. Soil physical and chemical analyses were carried out in the four different blocks identified within the experimental site. Data analysis was carried out on both the soil and leaf component analyses using the CANOCO-package. The establishment of the experimental site was successful, and important information was collected on various aspects of restoration activities. Positive growth effects were also observed in certain indigenous tree species concerning the "activity line" effect, especially with regard to Acacia tortilis and Combretum imberbe. However, the preliminary results obtained through this pilot study showed no conclusive evidence to what exactly stimulated the enhanced growth phenomena observed in certain individual tree species planted on "activity lines". Additional watering was identified as the most important factor contributing to successful establishment and growth of indigenous tree species in this semi-arid area. Various results showed a multiplying effect when a combination of additional watering and "activity lines" was applied. It was concluded that, should any further restoration work be conducted in the degraded areas of the Mapungubwe National Park, the planting of trees should be done on "activity lines" and with the addition of water. This will result in higher establishment rates of transplanted trees and speed up the succession processes involved in the natural "healing process" of degraded areas. Parameters that should be used for monitoring tree growth include the trunk thickness at the base, trunk thickness at 30cm from the base, and the length of the tree in its natural growth form. Recommendations were also made as reference for future restoration practices to ensure better and more successful and sustainable outcomes in the planting of trees. These include the use of nurse plants such as Acacia tortilis and Salvadora australis to establish a more favourable microclimate for climax species, as well as the establishment of a preferred herbaceous layer. Care should be taken in the period required for the cultivation of indigenous trees before they are transplanted into the field, as a prolonged cultivation period could lead to a circular growth form of the root system, preventing sufficient penetration ability of the roots into deeper, more nutrient rich soils. Before trees can be planted into the field, a hardening period must be applied to all seedlings for at least a three week period. This entails the exposure to more direct sunlight for longer periods as well as a reduction in the water applied weekly. Special attention should be paid to the stresses caused by herbivory, especially that of termites and porcupines. The maintenance of the exclosure is a critical factor contributing to the successful outcomes of this particular restoration project. Problem animals, especially elephants, should be kept out of the exclosure at all costs. The results of this project can be used in this ongoing restoration program, as well as in other related projects in semi-arid, degraded savannah areas over the long-term. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Botany))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Since pastoralism began in Australia???s rangelands, the number of artificial watering points (AWPs) has increased dramatically, such that today, few areas of rangeland are further than 10 km from water. This increased availability of water has caused many ecological impacts. Unfortunately, such impacts are poorly understood in the context of an Australian conservation reserve, thus hindering strategic management. This study examined the spatial distribution of vertebrate (kangaroos, small mammals, lizards and avifauna) and vegetative variables around open AWPs as well as AWPs that have been closed since pastoralism (sheep-grazing) ceased nearly thirty years ago in Sturt National Park, arid New South Wales. The study also examined vertebrate use of AWPs, with a particular emphasis on kangaroos and avifauna. The study revealed that most variables showed few differences in spatial distribution with distance from open and closed AWPs, thus suggesting that the observed piospheric impacts were primarily attributable to historical sheep-grazing. Indeed, piospheric patterns were weak suggesting some recovery over the last thirty years. That kangaroos did not exhibit water-focused grazing is no surprise, since despite their regular use of AWPs, particularly during hot, dry times, the current spatial arrangement of AWPs facilitates regular travel to, and from, such resources allowing kangaroos, like much other fauna, to distribute themselves in relation to food and shelter preferences rather than in relation to water supply. In contrast, the majority of avifaunal groups (excluding ground-dwelling species) were clustered around open AWPs, often irrespective of season, because of food and water requirements. Such spatial concentrations of avifauna are thought to cause a range of interspecific effects. Experimental AWP closure and GIS modelling showed that whilst closure of AWPs will increase the average distance to water, which will have key benefits, the majority of areas in Sturt National Park would still be accessible to most water-dependent species even if all unused AWPs were closed. Strategic retention of AWPs to replace water sources lost since European settlement, aid threatened and migratory species??? conservation and enhance nature-based tourism opportunities is thus recommended and an example of a strategic management and monitoring plan outlined.

The role of artificial watering points in the avifaunal dynamics of the semi-arid mallee woodlands of southeast Australia was examined. Species richness and abundance were monitored throughout the year at different distances from water to determine how birds were distributed around water points and how this changed in relation to environmental factors such as climate. Vegetation attributes were also measured to determine which factors explained patterns in the avifauna with distance from water, and also to allow a description of the vegetation in relation to the water points. Water points were monitored throughout the year to determine which species were utilising them, under which environmental circumstances and for what purposes. Knowledge of the water utilisation behaviour of individual bird species allowed some explanation of their distribution patterns, as well as an ability to predict the likely effects of water point closure on those bird species. The closure of two water points during the study allowed an assessment of the immediate effects of water point closure on avifauna (For complete abstract open document)

Der Bericht gibt einen Überblick über den Umfang der bewässerten landwirtschaftlichen Fläche in Sachsen und die bewässerten Kulturarten. Verschiedene Bewässerungsverfahren und -techniken sowie Steuerungsmodelle werden vorgestellt und bewertet. Weiterhin sind die Ergebnisse von Wirtschaftlichkeitsuntersuchungen dargestellt. Die Bewässerungsfläche in der sächsischen Landwirtschaft entspricht nur 0,4 % der landwirtschaftlichen Nutzfläche, zeigt aber auf Grund verstärkter Frühsommertrockenheit eine steigende Tendenz. Gemüse, Obst und Kartoffeln sind die am häufigsten bewässerten Kulturarten. Mobile Beregnungsmaschinen (Schlauchtrommeln) mit Großregnern dominieren, Kreis– und Linearberegnungsmaschinen sind allerdings umwelt– und ressourcenschonender. Für die Optimierung hinsichtlich Wasserverbrauch und Wirtschaftlichkeit stehen Softwarelösungen und Beratungsdienste zur Verfügung. Die Bewässerung ist bei gezielter Steuerung und bei beregnungswürdigen Fruchtarten meist wirtschaftlich.

A field survey and a metabolism experiment were conducted to study livestock watering practices in the Moroccan Pre-Sahara and their changes with drought extent, season, ecological zone, pastoral system, and herd size. The metabolism experiment was designed to determine effects of once per 2 days (ID), once daily and twice daily drinking frequencies, and high and low body conditions on water and nutrient utilization by sheep fed high- and low-quality diets. The way herds are managed in this region exposes all sex and age categories of animals to food and water shortages during annual dry seasons and occasional droughts. Livestock are commonly watered once daily in warm seasons, but in the winter they are dominantly watered once every other day. Distance of herders' headquarters from water averaged 4.6 km, but 27 .6% of herders reside farther than the 5 km recommended distance from water sources. The proportion of herds not able to satisfy their complete requirements attains 28% in summer. Out-of-pocket cost of water hauling averaged 0.0270 Dirham, but was higher when water was trucked instead of transported by equines. A careful water development associated with adequate range management is recommended. Results of the metabolism experiment showed that thin rams had higher dry matter (DM) intake and nitrogen retention than did fat rams, but the digestive capacity of fat and thin rams was similar. ID did not affect Beni Guil sheep's water-to-OM-intake ratio, but induced a drop in DM intake of both diets. ID improved nitrogen balance by 40% as compared to daily drinking. When compared with fat rams, thin rams were more efficient in water utilization, but had higher water turnover, which allowed them to excrete excess waste coming from their higher feed intake. ID is undesirable when production or compensatory growth is the goal, but when animals are thin and feed quality is low, it has the advantage of improving nitrogen retention and allowing animals to graze at least two days walking distance from the water point without need for water transportation. Twice-daily drinking proved to be of a limited effect on all measured parameters.

A deficiência de informações sobre águas residuárias da produção industrial de suínos é uma realidade. Com efeito parâmetros de aplicação e quantificação dessas águas não são especificados por nenhuma legislação nacional atualmente. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi avaliar os diferentes efluentes oriundos do sistema de tratamento biológico de uma granja suinícola, quanto à sua qualidade e aos seus reflexos no cultivo das pastagens da Brachiária Decumbens e da Grama Estrela - Cynodom plesctostachyum em nível de campo. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma granja suinícola no Estado de São Paulo, tendo sido aplicados os seguintes efluentes; Esub1: Efluente de entrada do Tanque de Decantação; E2: Efluente de saída da Lagoa 1; E3: Efluente de saída da Lagoa 5. Os efluentes foram analisados qualitativa e quantitativamente, sendo considerados parâmetros físicos (pH, condutívidade, turbidez), químicos ( Al, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr e Zn), microbiológicos ( coliformes totais e E. coli ) e bioquímicos (DBO e DQO). A aplicação desses efluentes ocorreu de forma mecanizada em cada subparcela das pastagens estudadas, onde mensalmente foram realizados os cortes para a avaliação de produção de massa seca e bromatológica do material. A avaliação do solo foi realizada em diferentes camadas: 0-10cm, 10-20cm e 20-40cm, sendo caracterizados os parâmetros físicos e químicos. Os resultados da qualidade dessas águas residuárias, sinalizaram teores físicos, químicos e microbiológicos que não atenderam as resoluções do CONAMA - 2005, e USEPA. Os resultados das amostras de solo, apresentaram parâmetros, com teores acima do preconizado para o Estado de São Paulo, exceto o boro. Quanto à produção e à avaliação do crescimento das pastagens, observou-se que a produção de massa seca foi superior nos diferentes tratamentos, em relação à testemunha. Utilizando esse biofertilizante, verificou-se um incremento de 30% na produção. / The deficient information about residuary water of swine industrial production is a reality. Considering that application and quantification parameters of these waters are not specified by any National legislation nowadays. This work general objective was the evaluation of different effluents deriving from the system of biological treatment of a swine’s farm considering its qualities and reflection on Brachiaria Decumbens and Star Grass - Cynodom plesctostachyum pasture cultivation in field level. The research was carried through in a swine farm in the State of São Paulo. It applied the following effluents: E1 - Effluent of Decantation tank entrance; E2 - Effluent of Lake Exit I; E3 - Effluent of Lake Exit 5. the effluents were analyzed quantitative and qualitative considering physical parameters (pH, conductivity, turbidity), chemical parameters (Al, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, and Zn), microbiological parameters (total coliforms and E. coli) and biochemical parameters (DBO and DQO). Those applications were mechanized in all subdivisions of the studied pasture, where the cut to evaluate dry mass and bromatological material were carried out monthly. The soil evaluation was carried out in different layers: 0 - 10cm, 10 - 20 cm and 20 - 40cm, characterized by physical and chemical parameters. The results of these residuary water quality signalled physical, chemical and microbiological content that did not answer to CONAMA-2005 and USEPA resolutions. The soil sample results presented parameters with contents above the praised to the State of São Paulo, except for boron. As for the production and the evaluation of the pasture growth, it was observed that the production of dry mass relation to testimony. The use of this biofertilizer verified the increase of 30% in production.

Mit der Intensivierung der landwirtschaftlichen Produktion gewinnen Pumpstationen für die Be- und Entwässerung landwirtschaftlicher Nutzflächen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Zur Beseitigung schädlicher Bodennässe werden offene Gräben oder Dränrohrleitungen angelegt, welche das Wasser bei nicht vorhandener Vorflut einem Entwässerungsschöpfwerk zuleiten. Dieses Schöpfwerk fördert das Wasser aus einem Speicherraum (Mahlbusen) in den Vorfluter. In der DDR sind zahlreiche derartige Entwässerungsschöpfwerke vorhanden. (...)