Browsing by Author "Boucher, C."

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    Diversity and species turnover on an altitudinal gradient in Western Cape, South Africa : baseline data for monitoring range shifts in response to climate change
    (AOSIS, 2008) Agenbag, L.; Esler, K. J.; Midgley, G. F.; Boucher, C.
    A temperature and moisture gradient on the equator-facing slope of Jonaskop on the Riviersonderend Mountain, Western Cape has been selected as an important gradient for monitoring the effects of climate change on fynbos and the Fynbos-Succulent Karoo ecotone. This study provides a description of plant diversity patterns, growth form composition and species turnover across the gradient and the results of four years of climate monitoring at selected points along the altitudinal gradient. The aim of this study is to provide data for a focused monitoring strategy for the early detection of climate change-related shifts in species' ranges, as well as gaining a better understanding of the role of climate variability in shaping species growth responses, their distributions, and other ecosystem processes.
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    Effects of alien plant management, fire and soil chemistry on selected soil microbial populations in the Table Mountain National Park, South Africa
    (NISC Pty Ltd., 2005-06) Cilliers, C. D.; Botha, A.; Esler, K. J.; Boucher, C.
    This pilot study examined changes in soil chemistry and microbial population sizes following the extensive wildfires in 2000 on the Cape Peninsula. The effects of standing alien plants and stacks of mechanically-cleared alien plant material on selected post-fire microbial populations and their recovery were investigated. These were compared to burnt fynbos and the burnt cleared areas surrounding wildfire burnt stacks. Microbial population sizes and chemical changes were also monitored in unburnt fynbos and dense unburnt stands of invasive alien plants. Differences in soil chemistry and microbial population sizes occurred in the samples taken from the various post-fire environments while marked seasonal changes were also apparent. Microbial population sizes were linked to pre-fire vegetation characteristics, fire intensity, the management of alien plants, soil chemical changes and seasonal influences. High volumes of woody alien plant biomass impacted on post wildfire microbial population sizes during summer. During winter, however, microbial population sizes were primarily influenced by soil texture and nutrient composition. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd.