Landscape functionality and restoration of degraded sites in the Mokala and Karoo National Parks of South Africa

Abstract

The reduction in plant cover and density, as well as other ecological processes, all contribute to the deterioration of the land in ecosystems. In hyper-arid, arid, and semiarid regions, frequent and ongoing land degradation may cause desertification as a result of insufficient measures to stop it. The current study looked at the effectiveness of land degradation prevention techniques including soil ponding and brush packing that are a part of the restoration process. The assessment of the restoration technologies over five years (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020) at specific sites in the Mokala and Karoo National Parks employed the soil surface analysis (SSA) method as stated in the Landscape Functional Analysis (LFA) monitoring tool. The data showed that using appropriately designed ponding and brush packing procedures produced favourable results. The rehabilitation method of ponding and brush packing collected trash, seeds, and sediments, which improved soil stability, infiltration, nutrient cycling, and boosted species richness and variety. Except for a few empty areas at a few sites, where a negative association between soil stability and infiltration was noticed, researchers generally discovered a positive correlation between soil stability, infiltration, and nutrients. The success of the restoration approaches in thawing the crusted soil, enhancing soil moisture, and encouraging flora reestablishment led to the positive connection. Therefore, in order to improve the functionality of the landscape and restore degraded areas, the research's findings are essential. In the monitoring procedure across the arid parks, the LFA technique is advocated.