Wetlands in Khalong-la-Lithunya catchment in Lesotho : Soil organic carbon contents, vegetation isotopic signatures and hydrochemistry

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

OLALEYE, A.O.

Dept. of Soil Science and Resource Conservation, National Univ., Roma, Lesotho

NKHELOANE, T.

Dept. of Soil Science and Resource Conservation, National Univ., Roma, Lesotho

MATING, R.

Dept. of Soil Science and Resource Conservation, National Univ., Roma, Lesotho

MAHLAKO, K.

Dept. of Soil Science and Resource Conservation, National Univ., Roma, Lesotho

RATHEBE, K.

Dept. of Soil Science and Resource Conservation, National Univ., Roma, Lesotho

LETSIKA, F.

Dept. of Soil Science and Resource Conservation, National Univ., Roma, Lesotho

RASEKOELE, M.G.

Dept. of Soil Science and Resource Conservation, National Univ., Roma, Lesotho

Description :
The study was conducted in lacustrine wetlands located in the Khalong-la-Lithunya catchment (KLC) in the Mountains AEZ of Lesotho, in Butha-Buthe district. Investigations were made between 2009 and 2012 on the soil characteristics, hydrochemistry of the surface waters and vegetation isotopic signatures in order to assess the extent to which conservation and rehabilitation practices have allowed the wetlands to return to its former status. Results of the hydrochemistry from the installed piezometers showed that across years and months the variables (pH, EC, Ca, Mg, Na, K and NO3-N) were within the normal range, while the phosphate concentrations were beyond the limits. It was concluded that more research is needed to identify sources and forms of phosphates in this wetland.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2014, vol. 115, p. 71-78, nombre de pages : 8, Références bibliographiques : 1 p.

Date :
2014

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais