Biogenic process ; Ecosystem ; Environment ; Fauna ; Fire ; Savanna ; Semi-arid area ; Soil properties ; Tropical zone ; Vegetation
A number of points can be distilled from this review concerning the current state of research in savannas areas. Work on the dynamics of forest-savanna boundaries and increasing understanding of the rates of change indicate a sensitive response
to global, regional,as well as local environmental controls. Savannas are more biologically rich and diverse in terms of soil-plant-animal relationships than generally appreciated. Current research is concentrated in a number of geographic regions, notably
the humid savannas of the Venezuelan Llanos, Brazilian cerrado, Guinean and Sudan zones and Nigeria, and the semi-arid savannas.
Africa ; Australia ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Fauna ; Fire ; Insect ; Land use ; Mammal ; Nature conservation ; Northern Territory ; Population dynamics ; Savanna ; South America ; Spatial distribution
This review indicates that the dominant position of large mammals in savanna studies is being challenged as researchers turn to the not so apparent but significant animal communities present in savannas around the world. Understanding the role
of these other taxa will be fundamental for conservation and management practices. Many of which, for example in national parks in the African savannas, are designed to protect large mammals, and not necessarily other animal groups despite their crucial
and diverse roles in savanna functioning as pollinators, dispersers, nutrient recyclers and consumers.
This review (2002-2006) concentrates upon research relating to plant ecology, examining issues of diversity, boundaries and equilibrium theories, and studies of individual species of tropical savannas and associated forests.
Soil samples from a savanna in northern Bolivia were examined as part of the first detailed study on the regional vegetation. Soil texture, PH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation of 29
Fire in the cerrado (savannas) of Brazil : an ecological review
Biodiversity ; Biogeography ; Brazil ; Ecology ; Environmental management ; Fire ; Savanna
Fire is a major determinant of cerrado (savanna) vegetation in Brazil, and is used as a management tool during the dry season. This article reviews past and present fire ecology studies in the cerrado, (abiotic, biotic, social studies and management
This review (2000-2005) focuses on the environmental determinants of savanna vegetation and its structural composition, the links between soils and vegetation, and concludes with some of the recent studies on biodiversity and conservation.
The development of savanna afforestation in Northern Nigeria
Although eighty per cent of the land area of Nigeria is covered with savanna woodland, there is a shortage of wood and wood products. The Savanna Forestry Research Project has studied the conditions necessary for increased tree growth. Some problems
In search of an approach to the management of savanna fallow soils
A comparative analysis of savanna fallow soils in the Ibarapa Division of Oyo State suggests that there is no universal solution to their management. Where soils and environmental conditions vary productivity will vary even where fertilizers
Water resources in Botswana with particular reference to the Savanna regions
Sustainable utilisation of Savannas in Botswana
Botswana ; Dry farming ; Natural resources ; Savanna ; Sustainable development ; Water ; Water management ; Water resources
Production and development in the savanna regions are primarily determined by interactions between the limitations imposed by ecological determinants (such as rainfall and soil quality) and the management strategies of the specific region. Good
The current status of the vegetation resources of Botswana's savannas is evaluated. However, a lack of systematic data providing sufficiently detailed information on vegetation cover has meant a reliance on site specific data making, making national
Sustainability of traditional agriculture in the southern African Savannas of Botswana
Sustainable utilisation of Savannas in Botswana
Agricultural practice ; Agriculture ; Botswana ; Livestock farming ; Resource management ; Savanna ; Soil conservation ; Sustainable development ; Traditional agriculture
The paper seeks to describe and discuss the impacts of agricultural practices by communal and traditional farmers on sustainable management of savannas in Botswana. Sustainability is explained from three viewpoints, namely ecosystem sustainability
An assessment of the sustainability of the utilisation of Savanna products in Botswana
Sustainable utilisation of Savannas in Botswana
Agricultural product ; Botswana ; Fuelwood ; Living standard ; Resource management ; Rural community ; Savanna ; Sustainable development ; Wood
The majority of Botswana's population use a wide range of savanna products for food, fodder, medicine, fule, building, utensils and income. The poorest households in both rural and urban areas are most reliant on their consumption and trade
The status and fluxing of alkali and alkaline-earth metals in a savanna alfisol under long-term cultivation
Agricultural land use ; Agropedology ; Clay mineral ; Cultivated land ; Fertilizer ; Geochemistry ; Nigeria ; Savanna ; Soil degradation
This study investigates the impact of soil management on the status and fluxes of alkali and alkaline-earth metals in a savanna alfisol after 50 years of cultivation. The objective is to determine a suitable management practice which can best
protect savanna soils against rapid degradation and potential acidification under long-term cultivation.
The comparative role of key environmental factors in determining savanna productivity and carbon fluxes : a review with spatial reference to northern Australia
Australia ; Carbon cycle ; Carbon dioxide ; Climatic change ; Ecosystem ; Fire ; Northern Territory ; Precipitation ; Productivity ; Radiation ; Savanna ; Temperature
For savannas, the key environmental drivers controlling vegetation productivity are water and nutrient availability, vapour pressure deficit (VPD), solar radiation and fire. Changes in these environmental factors can modify the carbon balance
of these ecosystems. Here the AA. have reviewed the various environmental controls on the spatial and temporal patterns on savanna carbon fluxes in northern Australia. Such studies are critical in predicting the impacts of future climate change on savanna productivity
Plant ecology, soil environments and dynamic change in tropical savannas
Africa ; Australia ; Biodiversity ; Biogeography ; Brazil ; Classification ; Ecosystem ; Fire ; Forest-savanna transition ; India ; Ivory Coast ; Northern Territory ; Primary production ; Remote sensing ; Savanna ; Tropical zone ; Vegetation
Research on classification and biodiversity forms the starting point for this report, followed by work on primary production, the impact and significance of fire, research on forest-savanna boundaries, the influence of nurse and shade plants
and, finally soil-plant relationships and the role of soil organisms in savanna ecosystems.