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.