Farming does not necessarily conflict with tree diversity in the mid-Zambezi valley, Zimbabwe

Abstract

We tested whether cultivation and fallowing have any significant effect on tree species diversity and dominance in semi-arid Zimbabwe. To this end, we quantified tree species diversity and physiognomy on two soil types (mutapo and bandati) stratified into three land-use categories, i.e., cultivated land, fallow land and woodland. Results showed that tree species diversity was significantly different on the two soil types. Tree species diversity was high on bandati soil and 2 low on mutapo soil. Results also showed that there was significant difference in tree species diversity among the three land-use categories on mutapo soil but no differences on bandati soil.Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in species diversity between paired categories on mutapo soil but no significant differences on bandati soil. Tree physiognomy was significantly different among all three land use categories. Colophospermum mopane and Diospyros kirkii were the dominant species within woodlands, while Acacia tortilis subsp.spirocarpa replaced them as the dominant species within the fallow land category. These results indicate that woodland conversion for cultivation purposes has no immediate significant effect on tree species diversity on bandati soil, while it has a pronounced effect on mutapo soil, at least in the short term.

Tree establishment and management on farms in the drylands: evaluation of different systems adopted by small-scale farmers in Mutomo District, Kenya

“…Even though there are structural, spatial and temporal differences in different agroforestry systems (Nair et al 2008), tree establishment is either through planting or protection of naturally regenerating seedlings and coppices (Fifanou et al 2011). On the other hand, traditionally well understood trees with multiple benefits like provision of building materials, fruits, shade and fodder are protected by farmers so long as they do not affect the productivity of other crops (Iiyama et al 2016;Abebe et al 2013;Tambara et al 2012;Fentahun and Hager 2010). On the other hand, traditionally well understood trees with multiple benefits like provision of building materials, fruits, shade and fodder are protected by farmers so long as they do not affect the productivity of other crops (Iiyama et al 2016;Abebe et al 2013;Tambara et al 2012;Fentahun and Hager 2010).…”

From natural woodlands to cultivated land: diversity of fruit‐feeding butterflies and beetles in the mid‐Zambezi valley, northern Zimbabwe

“…and data on land‐use and management practices in each site were adopted from Tambara et al . () and Baudron et al . (, ).…”

Diversity and host associations of ectomycorrhizae fungi in fallow lands of the mid-Zambezi valley area, Zimbabwe

“…While studies have primarily focused on woody species (Biodiversity Project, 2002;Baudron et al, 2008;Tambara et al, 2012a), little attention has been placed on the subterranean component of the biota (bacteria and fungi, especially) and the various interactive processes associated with it. Studies by Tambara et al (2012a) have shown that vascular plant species composition changes with age of fallowing. Some species disappear, new ones emerge, yet others persist and become dominant up to climax community stage (Tambara et al, 2012a).…”

“…Studies by Tambara et al (2012a) have shown that vascular plant species composition changes with age of fallowing. Some species disappear, new ones emerge, yet others persist and become dominant up to climax community stage (Tambara et al, 2012a). Similarly, fungal species composition is expected to change with age of fallowing in response to shifts in host species composition.…”

“…In order to reduce input costs, particularly in cotton production, fallowing is commonly practised. Fallow units are at different stages of recovery, thus creating landscape mosaics that are at different levels of succession (Tambara et al, 2012a) and containing different vegetation species (Biodiversity Project, 2002).…”