Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

INFLUENCE OF GRAZING INTENSITY ON PLANT COMMUNITY DIVERSITY, STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION IN DAMBO WETLANDS OF COMMUNAL ZIMBABWE

Dahwa E Kativu S ,Hungwe T,Mudzengi CP,Poshiwa X,Murungweni, Shoko MD

A study was carried out to determine grazing impacts on dambo wetlands vegetation in Zimbabwe’s arid communal lands. Results revealed that communal dambos were converting from floristically diverse wetlands of good grazing to communities dominated by low forage value grasses like Eragrostis species. Furthermore, changes in plant structural attributes like basal and litter cover that exposed soil to erosion were recorded. However, moderate grazing supported a diverse plant community with plant composition that supports a working wetland. Current management practices of dambos in the Zimbabwean communal areas are inadequate and needs regulation if sound conservation measures are to be adopted.

Published Date: 2013-10-12;