Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality
Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality
Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality
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Recommendations for <strong>Marloth</strong> <strong>Park</strong><br />
The presence of sickle bush Dichrostachys cinerea is the only species currently exhibiting<br />
encroaching properties on <strong>Marloth</strong> <strong>Park</strong>, and although not classified as an alien plant species,<br />
it is invasive and recommended that the number of individuals be reduced in an attempt to<br />
decrease the localized densities. Although the distribution of Dichrostachys cinerea is not<br />
limited to the Dichrostachys cinerea - Tragus berteronianus Low bushland plant community,<br />
the visual dominance in density is notable and in most areas exceed 1125 individuals per<br />
hectare, creating reason for concern. Furthermore, the liase fair approach to this problem has<br />
resulted in these trees becoming of age, thus exceeding the maximum browse high of 2.0 m,<br />
with effect that these trees have little to no browsing value. The high density also inhibits<br />
recovery of the herbaceous layer, thus retaining the historically poor species composition and<br />
ground cover.<br />
It is recommended that a combination of mechanical and chemical treatment of the<br />
Dichrostachys cinerea be initiated, as best visual results are obtained using these methods.<br />
Minimum disturbance of other vegetation occurs and branches that are being removed can be<br />
used in reclamation of denuded and degraded areas. The use of a hand axe or petrol driven<br />
chainsaw is recommended. All trees rooted within a circumference of 5 m of each other,<br />
irrespective of age or size, can be removed. The selected trees are cut at 100 to 150 mm above<br />
the soil surface; where after the remaining cut stump is treated with a chemical,<br />
photosynthesis inhibiter such as Tordon Super ® (picloram/triclopyr). The remaining trees will<br />
be in excess of 3 m in height, creating the most suitable sub-habitat for plant species<br />
exhibiting a preference for shade. Many nutritional grass species are usually encountered in<br />
this sub-habitat.<br />
To achieve effective control of the Dichrostachys cinerea infestations, initial, follow-up and<br />
maintenance treatments must be implemented. Initial control aims at removing the original<br />
infestation, and must be implemented in one season. With selection of an area, time and<br />
labour constraints must be considered. Follow-up is usually implemented annually from the<br />
second year, as copious numbers of seedlings will emerge in the treated areas due to the<br />
residual seed banks. This follow-up phase must be continued until population numbers<br />
decline to a level where they can be controlled with minimum input and effort. The<br />
maintenance phase is reached when areas require low annual or biannual commitment to<br />
prevent re-infestation. Control programmes should strive to reach maintenance control and<br />
not total eradication, which is considered unrealistic.<br />
© Ecological Associates/ <strong>Marloth</strong> <strong>Park</strong> 99