| Abstract |
Vegetation refers to groups of plants growing together forming species populations at local scales, and this group of species populations grow together to form plant communities. Water is an essential need for all living organisms on Earth. The Cuvelai Etosha Basin support about 40% of the Namibian population. Agricultural activities such as crop cultivation and livestock farming are the most human activities that take place in the area. These activities rely on the soil for high yield and therefore knowing the soil characteristics and a type of vegetation that the soil can support is very important. The objectives of the study were to determine the vegetation composition, herbaceous cover and soil characteristics of selected ephemeral water bodies of the Cuvelai Etosha Basin. For vegetation, three areas were sampled (Oshigambo, Oshakati and Okashana). A total of 27 transects were laid (9 transects per each area Oshigambo, Oshakati and Okashana) parallel to the water flow of the ephemeral water bodies. Per each transect; the 3 most dominant species were recorded and the average herbaceous cover was recorded. The soil samples were taken at random from each transect. The cluster analysis was used to determine whether there were similarities in species composition of woody vegetation between the sites. The soil characteristics (pH, Electrical Conductivity and moisture content) were analysed in the Geology Department laboratory. The study findings showed an overall variation in both species composition and herbaceous cover among the different ephemeral water bodies in the Cuvelai Etosha Basin. Species composition and herbaceous cover in each of the three areas was influenced by soil characteristics, vegetation type and extent of grazing. |
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