An Overview of Nitrogen Cycling in a Semiarid Savanna: Some Implications for Management and Conservation in a Large African Park |
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Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">Corli?CoetseeEmail author Shayne?Jacobs Navashni?Govender |
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Institution: | (1) School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P/Bag 6531 Saasveld, George, 6530, Western Cape, South Africa;(2) Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa;(3) Sanparks Scientific Services, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Nitrogen (N) is a major control on primary productivity and hence on the productivity and diversity of secondary producers
and consumers. As such, ecosystem structure and function cannot be understood without a comprehensive understanding of N cycling
and dynamics. This overview describes the factors that govern N distribution and dynamics and the consequences that variable
N dynamics have for structure, function and thresholds of potential concern (TPCs) for management of a semiarid southern African
savanna. We focus on the Kruger National Park (KNP), a relatively intact savanna, noted for its wide array of animal and plant
species and a prized tourist destination. KNP’s large size ensures integrity of most ecosystem processes and much can be learned
about drivers of ecosystem structure and function using this park as a baseline. Our overview shows that large scale variability
in substrates exists, but do not necessarily have predictable consequences for N cycling. The impact of major drivers such
as fire is complex; at a landscape scale little differences in stocks and cycling were found, though at a smaller scale changes
in woody cover can lead to concomitant changes in total N. Contrasting impacts of browsers and grazers on N turnover has been
recorded. Due to the complexity of this ecosystem, we conclude that it will be complicated to draw up TPCs for most transformations
and pools involved with the N cycle. However, we highlight in which cases the development of TPCs will be possible. |
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