Some Man-Made Changes in Successional Trends on the Rhodesian Highveld

Abstract

The highveld is a gently rolling peneplain occupying much of north-eastern Rhodesia (Fig. 1). Elevation varies between 1700 m and 1400 m with a gradual trend downwards from north-east to south-west. The soils, derived mainly from granitic rocks of the continental Basement Complex batholith are medium-grained, deeply weathered acidic sands. Drainage is generally good except in marshy depressions, locally called 'vleis'. The uppermost 100 cm may dry to below wilting point in the latter half of the dry season (Strang 1969).