Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality

• The aspect differs in its´ exposure to sunlight and therefore, in dryness. Areas
with northern aspect are dryer than areas with southern aspect in the southern
hemisphere.
• The slope is mainly described as flat, average or steep. It differs in the amount of
water runoff and proneness to erosion and therefore, in the availability of water
and soil as a growth medium.
The terrain form is documented as crest, mid-slope or valley which in this study.
It influences the availability of water and the soil profile.
• The geomorphology is described as flat, concave or convex, while the topography
is described as mountain, ridge, plain, valley, pan or riverbank. Both influence the
drainage of water.
• The degree of trampling influences plant re-growth and proneness to erosion.
• The degree of erosion influences the top layer of the soil and therefore, the
availability of growth medium.
• The drainage is recorded as wet or dry, as it influences the occurrence of plants
that are adapted to these conditions.
• The geology and rock cover influences the soil profile and soil type with soil
being important as the growth medium.
• The soil colour can indicate clay content and thus leaching of nutrients.
• The clay content of the soil influences the availability of minerals and water to
plants.
• The canopy cover consists of the following groups: large trees, small trees, shrubs
and forbs. Canopy cover influences suitable shaded habitat and therefore, the
occurrence of specific plant species.
• The biotic influences such as termites influence the habitat and the occurrence of
plant species.
The soil and its profile are of importance as they are the growth medium for the plants,
supplying nutrients and physical support.
© Ecological Associates/ Marloth Park 27