INSERT FIGURE 5 HERE
FIGURE 5: The orientation of pans in relation to trees within the Save Valley Conservancy (n=17)
The tree species in the immediate vicinity of pans during formation were identified as Diospyros mespiliformis and Colophospermummopane. Diospyros mespiliformis was also present at eight fully developed pans. Colophospermum mopane was observed at five locations. Both species co-occurred at two sites. Field survey observed two sites with dead trees in the immediate vicinity of pans. The predominance of Diospyros mespiliformis , as well as pan orientation in relation to presence of trees (Figure 3), points towards a distinct relationship between pans and trees in the study area.
Kriged infiltration data on pan formation highlight preferentially high areas for infiltration in the immediate vicinity of trees (Figure 6). The penetrometer readings after rainfall event also alludes to the aforementioned fact. By comparing the penetrometer readings before and after rainfall, it was observed that rainfall has a direct impact on the hardness of the soil.