BATHYMETRIC STUDIES ON THE PONGOLO RIVER FLOODPLAIN

SUMMARY

Thirteen of the major pans on the Pongolo river floodplain have been studied. Most are shallow (>2.5 m) and regularly lose up to 70% of their water each year, although few dry out. Floods inundate considerable areas (1000 ha) around pans situated in the flatter parts of the floodplain. Whilst inundated, these areas provide an allochthonous energy and nutrient source for the pan and, as the water levels recede, the exposed Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers lawns provide grazing for cattle. The suitability of the various pans for fish production is discussed.     

An assessment of the importance of water stress in seasonally floodedC. dactylon on the Pongolo River floodplain in the formulation of guidelines for controlled flooding

Daily variation in water potential was measured inCynodon dactylon in seasonally flooded areas of the Pongolo river floodplain. Soil moisture declined during the dry winter season when the plants were exposed, causing them to experience increasing water stress. Fog and mist appeared to relieve stress but it is concluded that water stress is sufficient to reduce production during exposure. The results are discussed in relation to the timing of flood releases from the upstream Pongolapoort dam and it is concluded that the period of exposure is of less significance than the duration and frequency of inundation in the formulation of guidelines for flood releases from the dam.     

THE PROBLEM OF NOMENCLATURE

Whitfield, A. K. &; Blaber, S. J. M. 1978. Feeding ecology of piscivorous birds at Lake St Lucia, Part 3: Swimming birds. Ostrich 50:10-20. The diets, foraging periodicities and feeding behaviour of the Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus, Whitebreasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus were studied at Lake St Lucia, Natal, South Africa, during 1975 and 1976. The Reed Cormorant fishes in shallow water within 100 m of the shore and mainly caught Sarotherodon mossambicus and Solea bleekeri, while the Whitebreasted Cormorant caught Mugilidae, Rhabdosargus sarba and Thryssa vitrirostris in deeper water. The diet of the White Pelican followed three distinct phases: a pre-incubation phase when the birds followed and preyed heavily on migrating Mugil cephalus shoals; an incubation and post-incubation phase when the adults flew a round trip of 200 km to the north to obtain freshwater fish, mainly cichlids, from the Pongolo pans where fishes were concentrated and densities high; and a post-fledgling phase when both adults and juveniles fed on a variety of marine species of fish in Lake St Lucia for about a month before dispersing to other areas. The feeding and breeding of Reed Cormorants and White-breasted Cormorants is discussed in relation to wind speeds, water turbidity and flooding of backwaters. The diet and long-range foraging behaviour of White Pelicans at St Lucia are compared with data from other African lakes. The breeding season of White Pelicans at St Lucia is related to availability of fish and inaccessibility of the breeding site to predators. The latter is determined by lake levels.     

ELEVENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE LIMNOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOURTHERN AFRICA

SUMMARY

The classification of highveld pans by Geldenhuys (1982) emphasized the spatial diversity of morphology, vegetation and fauna. However, since the characteristics of individual pans also change seasonally and over longer term wet/dry cycles, he called for more detailed limnological studies to improve predictive and management potential. Marked changes occurred in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of Rolfes pan in response to winter drawdown following dry (1983) and wet (1986) summers. The constancy of physical and chemical conditions during 1986 contrasted with rapid changes in temperature, turbidity, conductivity and salinity as benthic plants disappeared in 1983. The abundance of emergent vegetation provided breeding sites for certain wetland birds in 1986 but shallow water and submerged plants attracted wading birds in 1983. Changes within and between years highlighted the importance of three distinctive limnological characteristics of pans; large surface area to volume ratio, large littoral zone to open water ratio and an endorheic hydrological regime. Conservation of pans, beginning with inventory and classification, must focus on describing systems on the basis of these three characteristics, recognizing that activities in the catchment act through them to alter ecosystem properties.     

THE INFLUENCE OF P-RETENTION BY SOILS AND SEDIMENTS ON THE WATER QUALITY OF THE LIONS RIVER

SUMMARY

The soils of Midmar dam catchment and the sediments of the Lions river are shown to have high P-retention properties. Present conditions result in little leaching of PO₄ ^?4 from the soils and favour a net transport of P from overlying water to the sediments. P levels in the water are likely to remain low even if the loading rate of P were increased substantially. It is postulated however that other factors may induce a release of P from the sediments and adversely affect the load carried by the water.     

Waterfowl of a subtropical African floodplain

Many water bodies in arid southern Africa are seasonal and waterfowl habitats become restricted during the dry winters. Nevertheless, some tropical species, such as the white-faced duck, are expanding their ranges into more temperate regions where summer habitats are available, thus increasing pressure on overwintering habitats. The subtropical Pongolo River floodplain is an important overwintering area for a diverse water-fowl community that includes 13 of the 16 species that breed in South Africa and one of the few regular migrants. Historical evidence suggests that numbers of white-faced duck, which represent over 70% of the floodplain community, have increased 10-fold over the last two decades. An abundant, nutritious food (Potamogeton crispus turions) attracts waterfowl to the Pongolo floodplain during winter and an increase in bird fat reserves suggests that they leave for summer breeding grounds in good condition. Unseasonal flood releases from an upstream reservoir may cause low food supplies in late spring before the onset of the summer rainy season when breeding habitats become available. This study emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the role of winter habitats in maintaining waterfowl populations.     

OBSERVATIONS ON THE COEXISTENCE OF FRESH AND SALTWATER INVERTEBRATES IN AN INLAND SALTWORKS

SUMMARY

The fauna of three excavated trenches in the floor of the dry salt-pan in the Brandfort district of the Orange Free State was investigated. Two were found to contain typical saline water invertebrate fauna such as Artemia sp. and the saltwater rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and were without vegetation, while the third supported dense stands of Ruppia maritima, the salt water rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and a variety of freshwater macro-invertebrates. We concluded that certain freshwater macro-invertebrates are able to tolerate saline water, and that this would give them a competitive advantage over stenohaline invertebrates in semi-arid and arid areas where a range of salinities occur within and among the endorheic pans in the region.     

Theoretical evidence that root penetration ability interacts with soil compaction regimes to affect nitrate capture

Background and AimsAlthough root penetration of strong soils has been intensively studied at the scale of individual root axes, interactions between soil physical properties and soil foraging by whole plants are less clear. Here we investigate how variation in the penetration ability of distinct root classes and bulk density profiles common to real-world soils interact to affect soil foraging strategies.MethodsWe utilize the functional–structural plant model ‘OpenSimRoot’ to simulate the growth of maize (Zea mays) root systems with variable penetration ability of axial and lateral roots in soils with (1) uniform bulk density, (2) plow pans and (3) increasing bulk density with depth. We also modify the availability and leaching of nitrate to uncover reciprocal interactions between these factors and the capture of mobile resources.Key ResultsSoils with plow pans and bulk density gradients affected overall size, distribution and carbon costs of the root system. Soils with high bulk density at depth impeded rooting depth and reduced leaching of nitrate, thereby improving the coincidence of nitrogen and root length. While increasing penetration ability of either axial or lateral root classes produced root systems of comparable net length, improved penetration of axial roots increased allocation of root length in deeper soil, thereby amplifying N acquisition and shoot biomass. Although enhanced penetration ability of both root classes was associated with greater root system carbon costs, the benefit to plant fitness from improved soil exploration and resource capture offset these.ConclusionsWhile lateral roots comprise the bulk of root length, axial roots function as a scaffold determining the distribution of these laterals. In soils with high soil strength and leaching, root systems with enhanced penetration ability of axial roots have greater distribution of root length at depth, thereby improving capture of mobile resources.     

Interactions between period of exposure,grazing and crop growth rate of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. in seasonally flooded areas of the Pongolo River floodplain

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. forms extensive meadows on seasonally inundated areas of the Pongolo river floodplain. As floodwaters receded during winter, the shoots of C. dactylon which had not decomposed during submergence sprouted. Crop growth rate was high (up to 23 kg/ha/d dry mass) and the meadows were heavily grazed by domestic stock which removed up to 15 kg/ha/d. The high crop growth rate was not maintained because as exposure period increased, soils became dry and water stress conditions developed. This caused the C. dactylon to become less palatable and brought about a shift in grazing which allowed a build-up of the grazeable and ungrazeable fraction standing crop. Maximum standing crop occurred at the onset of the next flood. Grazing is shown to have a net negative effect on production, although at different times during exposure defoliation had either a depressing or stimulating effect on growth. It is postulated that the duration of the inundation period is more significant than the duration of the exposure period in maintaining the C. dactylon meadows.     

A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE OKAVANGO LECHWE

• 1. Lechwe herds in the Okavango exist only where the flood plain is of sufficient breadth (over 100 m in the low-water season) and where open water is present. During the season of greatest breeding activity groups may show either territorial or non-territorial forms of social organization depending upon the size and degree of fragmentation of the flood plain area occupied.
• 2. Lechwe employ bounding and trotting gaits when frightened or fleeing predators. These gaits seem well suited for rapid movement through shallow water.
• 3. Male courtship behaviour includes the use of an outstretched neck posture, frequent inspection of the female anogenital area, performance of “Laufschlag” and “driving”. The Laufschlag is believed to be a ritualized act derived from the mounting motion. Receptive females display outstretched neck posture with head lowered, hunched body conformation, spreading of hindlegs and curling of tail to one side.
• 4. Most calves are born in the summer months soon after the high waters recede. Young calves are cached in tall riverine vegetation during the day and nursed in early morning and evening.
• 5. The daily activity cycle and other aspects of behaviour are described.

     

IMPLICATIONS OF WATER RELEASE FROM THE PONGOLAPOORT DAM FOR THE FISH AND FISHERY OF THE PHONGOLO FLOODPLAIN,ZULULAND

Summary

Wetland fish stocks can usually be sustained as long as the natural flood regime is maintained, but unnatural disruption of the flooding pattern can interfere with fish spawning and feeding. The dynamics of the Phongolo floodplain fish community are determined by periodically changing abiotic factors, especially water level and water temperature, and biotic factors, especially food availability. Water level fluctuations have several important functions and result in pulses of nutrient input and fish abundance. This paper examines the implications of the timing, magnitude and duration of simulated flood releases from the Pongolapoort Dam on the downstream fish and fishery.     

Testaceans (Testacea, Protozoa) of Taiga Soils in Western Siberia (Surgut Polesye)

We studied population structure of testaceans of automorphic and hydromorphic soils in the middle taiga of Western Siberia. Rich testacean fauna has been revealed. The fauna representation was comparable to the studied soils of Ciscaucasian Russia. The bryophilic group was the most typical for the region, since its representatives inhabited the predominating hydromorphic soils of bogs. The typical species included Amphitrema flavum, Heleopera petricola, Placocista spinosa, Trigonopyxis arcula, Centropyxis laevigata, Nebela tincta, Arcella catinus, as well as other moss forms. Flood plain proved to be the richest by testacean species variability among the studied habitats. The set of species here included both representatives of watershed and typical aquatic forms present due to the flood conditions of a given area. The highest quantitative indices of the testacean complexes were revealed in the forest area soils. Quadrulella quadrigera Deflandre, 1936 found in a flood plain area has been revealed for the first time in Russia.     

Distinguishing sources of base cations in irrigated and natural soils: evidence from strontium isotopes

Strontium isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) of soil solids, soil cation extracts, irrigation water and plant material are used to determine strontium and therefore cation sources and fluxes in irrigated and natural soil–plant systems. Strontium isotopes of soil solids from four soil profiles (two irrigated vineyard soils and two 'natural' profiles from nearby reserves) show large differences between soil horizons with depth. These differences are not reflected in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of soil labile cations, which show both little variation down-profile and much lower ratios than soil solids. In the undisturbed, natural soil profiles, labile cation ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are close to the ratio of modern seawater, indicating that solutes of marine origin from precipitation are the primary input of strontium (and calcium) to the labile cation pool. In the irrigated soil profiles, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of labile cations are consistently shifted towards that of the irrigation water. Mass-balance calculations using ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the different inputs to the labile cation pool indicate more than 90% of labile strontium is derived from precipitation solutes in unirrigated soils, and up to 44% from irrigation water solutes as an additional source in irrigated soils. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of grapes grown in irrigated soils match precisely with those of the labile soil cations, demonstrating that cation nutrients are drawn wholly from the labile cation pool and have the same mix of precipitation, irrigation, and soil solid sources. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of grapes grown in the irrigated soils may therefore vary over time depending on (1) the changing mix of irrigation water and local precipitation and (2) potential change to irrigation water. These findings suggest limitations to the use of strontium isotopes in the tracing of grapes and wines to their soil of origin.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance spotted knapweed growth across a riparian chronosequence

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) mediate nutrient uptake that accelerates plant growth and reproduction. Thus, AMF may promote plant invasions often observed along rivers. We assessed the importance of AMF in improving growth of the invasive species, spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), during succession of riparian vegetation along a flood plain in Montana, USA. We grew spotted knapweed with and without AMF in soils collected from riparian sites ranging from 1 to 72 years old and measured the plant’s growth response to AMF. We observed variability in relative effects of AMF, with greatest growth benefits in recently deposited alluvial sediments. We then separated effects of soil and inoculum source by growing spotted knapweed with soils and inocula collected from young or old sites and found that growth responses were greatest in young soils regardless of inoculum source. Our results demonstrate that AMF directly benefit growth of spotted knapweed, especially in soils that typify early successional sites on this alluvial flood plain.     

Solute fluxes in throughfall and stemflow in four forest ecosystems in northwest Amazonia

The contribution of throughfall and stemflow as pathways for solute inputs into the forest floor in four mature forests in northwest Amazonia was investigated. Total solute inputs, resulting from the changes of atmospheric deposition after rainfall passes through the forest canopy, are presented in the form of throughfall and stemflow nutrient inputs and their possible sources are discussed. Throughfall is by far the most important solute input into the forest floor of the forests studied. On average, it represents about 98% of the total solute inputs. Although trends in solute enrichment varied among the forests, there is a general tendency in all ecosystems towards a distinct enrichment of SO₄, K, Cl, NO₃ and NH₄ in throughfall and stemflow and a small increase of protons, Mn, orthoP and Fe. When comparing the net enrichment between the forests, the relative increase of solutes in throughfall and stemflow was higher in the flood plain and low terrace than in the high terrace and sedimentary plain forests. While highest values for total cation inputs were observed in the flood plain, the low terrace showed the highest value for total inorganic anions. The length of the antecedent dry period was the main factor affecting throughfall and stemflow composition, concentrations increasing with increasing length. A second, less important factor was the amount of throughfall and stemflow, which showed a poor and negative correlation with solute concentrations. The increased activity of frugivores in the canopy during fruiting periods seemed to lead to temporary increased solute concentrations in throughfall and stemflow as a result of the wash off of deposited faecal materials and detritus in the canopy. Leaching from leaves and wash off of exudes, of solutes deposited on the foliage after evaporation of intercepted rainfall and of dry deposited materials were all found to contribute to the concentration of solutes in the throughfall and stemflow. Gross rainfall enrichment after passing the forest canopy, mainly by nutrient leaching, is considerably lower than the amounts of nutrients released in litterfall implying a tight nutrient cycling and nutrient conserving mechanisms by forests studied.     

FISH AND FISHERIES OF WETLANDS

SUMMARY

The three major wetland types have characteristic fish communities. River-associated wetlands harbour a rich diversity of fishes which can either survive habitat desiccation during the dry-down, or migrate to and fro with the flood. Endorheic wetlands have a lower diversity of species which are typically ‘r’-selected relative to mainstream riverine or lacustrine forms. Marine wetlands have a variety of peripheral or marine forms, but are not discussed in this account. The dynamics of wetland fish communities are determined by periodically changing abiotic factors, especially water temperature and water level, and biotic factors, especially food availability. Water level fluctuations have several important functions and result in pulses of nutrient input and fish abundance. Wetland fish stocks can usually be sustained as long as the pristine flood regime is retained, but disruption of the flooding pattern interferes with fish breeding and nutrient flow. Fishing yields may be directly correlated with the flood history during the previous two years. Wetland fishes play an important role by converting the resource at the base of the food chain, i.e. living plants, detritus or epiphytes, into food for higher trophic levels. The need to identify and conserve key food supplies is emphasized. Wetland fisheries are relatively poorly developed in southern Africa with notable exceptions, e.g. Pongolo floodplain, Okavango swamp, Lake Liambezi, Elephant Marsh on the Shire River, but even in these systems the resource is probably underutilized.

The need to consider the socio-economic implications of upgrading a subsistence fishery are emphasized, and further study on the effect of water level fluctuations on major trophic pathways and on multispecies fisheries is encouraged. Because of the urgent need to manage wetland fisheries, various short-cut methods to obtain first-order estimates of fish production, yields and growth rates should be used until more data are available. The need to manage a floodplain holistically for both the aquatic and terrestrial phases is stressed. In addition, inocula (re-colonizing life history stages) should be conserved to accelerate the recovery of endorheic wetland fish stocks after a drought. As wetlands are of fundamental importance to lake or river metabolism and provide vital breeding and feeding areas for fishes, they should be given the highest conservation priority. Cost-benefit analyses should therefore be performed before any large scale manipulations of wetlands are performed.     

The influence of temperature on the life-cycle and distribution of Biomphalaria pfeifferi (Krauss, 1948) in South-Eastern Africa

An annual life-cycle of three over-lapping generations was found for Biomphalaria pfeifferi in a perennial stream on the eastern Transvaal escarpment. The 2nd of these generations appeared during the hottest months of the year—late January and February.This generation sequence was confirmed in a completely different environment, a permanent pond in a climatically different area, the coastal peneplain of north-eastern Zululand though the density of the 2nd generation here was much reduced. The species is moreover absent from certain types of shallow, permanent waterbody (pans) on this plain. In these habitats the thermal regime rose above those in other types during spring and early summer—the maturation period of the 1st generation. A negative partial-correlation, significant at a 1% level, was found between decreasing fecundity of the 1st generation and increasing periods of above-optimal temperatures (> 27°C) during its maturation period. This temperature effect accounts for the species' absence from pans in the area and the critical duration of these above-optimal temperatures appears to lie between mean weekly levels of 120 and 179 deg.h. > 27°C.The discontinuous distribution of B. pfeifferi in the Lake Sibaya area of the Zululand coastal plain corresponds to an ecological succession amongst waterbodies associated with the lake's fluctuating water level. The separation of sheltered bays from the lake was followed by further lowering of their levels and a spread of emergent vegetation. This is believed to have contributed to an increasingly high thermal regime, especially during spring when temperatures rise rapidly. The pans from which B. pfeifferi is absent constitute the present end point of this succession.     

Sedimentation and pedogenesis in a Central Amazonian Black water basin

Sedimentation rates were estimated in a Central Amazonian Black-water inundation forest. Sediment deposition on the forest ground, remote from the river bed, during an annual flood period, is of the order of 1 to 10 tons per hectare, depending on water depth and duration of flooding. The sediments consisted of fine organic matter, kaolinite, quartz sands and biogenic particles of silica. Their genesis and deposition depend on the interplay between pedogenic, limnological and biological processes. Sediments derive primarily from the materials leached from the soils. Clay soils are the main source of dissolved silica, and the sandy soils are the main sources of organic coumpounds and mineral particles. The physical sedimentation of particles as quartz sand grains only occurs in the upper reaches of the studied river. In the flood plain, the sedimentation is due to the coagulation and deposition of combined mineral particles and humic substances, and to the biological precipitation of the silica leached from the soil by sponges.     

河岸带土壤重金属元素的污染及危害评价

测定了金水河流域河岸带土壤部分重金属的全量和土壤水溶液的离子含量,运用污染指数和生态风险评价法对流域内土壤重金属进行评价.不同土地利用类型中,漫滩V、Cr含量最高(130.89、363.29 mg·kg-1),草地Ni、Pb、Ti、Mn、Zn、Cu含量最高(32.52、24.61、4378.09、1289.62、91.44、29.71 mg·kg-1).这主要是因为草地、漫滩能够有效吸附和沉积重金属,同时人类活动明显增加重金属生态危害.金水河流域河岸带土壤Cr、Pb、Zn均超过土壤环境质量标准(GB 15618-1995).与此同时,河漫滩白浆化棕壤和钙质粗骨土碳酸钙含量高,对Pb、Zn有较强的吸附和固定作用,能够有效吸附和沉积重金属;河漫滩人类干扰较重,造成其重金属含量较高.评价结果表明,流域河岸带内重金属环境污染达到中、重度污染,生态危害等级为轻微到中等级别.提高土壤腐殖质含量是减轻污染危害及增强土壤自净能力的重要措施.     

Water and Nutrient Dynamics in Surface Roots and Soils are not Modified by Short-term Flooding of Phreatophytic Plants in a Hyperarid Desert

Little is known of the mechanisms employed by woody plants to acquire key resources such as water and nutrients in hyperarid environments. For phreatophytic plants, deep roots are necessary to access the water table, but given that most nutrients in many desert ecosystems are stored in the upper soil layers, viable shallow roots may be equally necessary for nutrient uptake. We sought to better understand the interaction between water and nutrient uptake from soil horizons differing in the relative abundance of these resources. To this end, we monitored plant water and nutrient status before and after applying flood irrigation to four phreatophytic perennial plant species in the remote hyperarid Taklamakan desert in western China. Sap flow in the roots of five plants of the perennial desert species Alhagi sparsifolia Shap., Karelina caspica (Pall.) Less., Calligonum caput medusea Schrenk, and Eleagnus angustifolia Hill. was monitored using the heat ratio method (HRM). Additionally we measured predawn and midday water potential, foliar nitrate reductase activity (NRA), xylem sap nutrient concentration and the concentration of total solutes in the leaves before, 12 and 96 h after flooding to investigate possible short-term physiological effects on water and nutrient status. Rates of sap flow measured during the day and at night in the absence of transpiration did not change after flooding. Moderately high rates of sap flow (HRM heat pulse velocity, 5–25 cm h⁻¹) detected during the day in soils that had a near zero water content at the surface indicated that all species had contact to groundwater. There was no evidence from sap flow data that plants had utilised flood water to increase maximum rates of transpiration under similar climatic conditions, and there was no evidence of a process to improve the efficiency of water or nutrient uptake, such as hydraulic redistribution (i.e. the passive movement of water from moist soil to very dry soil via roots). Measurements of plant water status, xylem sap nutrient status, foliar NRA and the concentration of osmotically active substances were also unaffected by flood irrigation. Our results clearly show that groundwater acts as the major source of water and nutrients for these plants. The inability of plants to utilise abundant surface soil–water or newly available nutrients following irrigation was attributed to the absence of fine roots in the topsoil layer.