Effects of environmental factors on plant productivity in the mountain grassland of the Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The relationship between plant productivity, measured according to biomass and species richness, is a fundamental focal point in community ecology, as it provides the basis for understanding plant responses or adaptive strategies. Although studies have been conducted on plant biomass and environmental factors, research concerning mountainous grassland areas is scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of environmental factors on aboveground plant biomass in the mountainous grassland of the Mountain Zebra National Park, South Africa. Biomass distribution was uneven within the park, owing to certain species having relatively higher biomass values. These differences may be attributed to the chemical and physical properties of the soil, including carbon and nitrogen content, soil pH, and soil texture (sand, silt, and coarse fragments). A disc pasture meter was used to collect biomass data. Multiple regression analysis revealed that most environmental factors did not significantly influence plant biomass. The only environmental factor influencing plant biomass was soil pH; the influences of other factors were not statistically significant. The results of this study elucidate the interactions of environmental factors with plant biomass. Future research could investigate how environmental factors influence plant biomass, both below and above the ground in mountainous grassland.