Some effects of fire frequency on fynbos at Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, South Africa

A short literature review on fynbos ecology, with special reference to fire, is presented as an introduction to the thesis. Three post-fire ages of fynbos were studied at the Jonkershoek Forest Reserve, with the aim of determining the effects of fire frequency on the vegetation. The three frequencies investigated were short (about six year) rotation burning, normal rotation burning (about 15 to 20 years) and protection from fire for 37 years. Aerial plant biomass was determined for the three post-fire ages of vegetation. Total (live plus dead) biomass amounted to 6,5 tonnes ha⁻¹ for four year old vegetation, 50 tonnes ha⁻¹ for 21 year old vegetation 75 tonnes ha⁻¹ for 37 year old vegetation. Live biomass apparently increases to an age of roughly 30 years, whereafter it declines, whereas the total mass of dead plus live material showed an increase right up to 37 years of age.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

1980

Author dc:creator

• Van Wilgen, Brian William

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Moll, Eugene J

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17771

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17771