Composition, structure and distribution of coastal dune vegetation between Malindi and Mambrui
The coastal sand dunes are one of the coastal ecosystems in Malindi District, which borders the Indian Ocean. The dunes between Malindi and Mambrui town extend to over about 10 km and cover an area of about 700 ha. This study describes the composition, structure and distribution of the dune vegetation. Possible edaphic factors which may affect the distribution of the vegetation were also investigated. The area was studied by air-photo interpretation, field sampling and laboratory analysis. Six transects were demarcated perpendicular to the sea. With the help of these techniques geomorphology units were distinguished, namely; the beach berm, unridged dune platform, transgressive, dunes 1, 2 and 3, incipient foredune ridges, primary and secondary slacks, drowned valley and fossil foredune ridges. A total of 156 plants species were identified representing sixty families with Gramineae (17 species) and Papilionaceae (16 species) being the most represented. Fifteen plant communities were described in the different geomorphological units. A distinct zonal distribution of the plant communities was found. A TWINSPAN analysis grouped geomorphological units of similar localities, mainly on the basis of their species composition. The Halopyrum mucronatum and Ipomoea pes caprae communities were common in the more unstable beach berm, unridged dune platform, transgressive dune 1 and 2. While the Cordia somalensis community was found in the more stable geomorphological units including transgressive dune 3, incipient foredune ridges and fossil foredune ridges. Significant variations in the soil parameters in different geomorphological units were detected (p=.001). Sand dynamics and mean particle size of the sand were the most important factors influencing the vegetation composition, structure and distribution. Other important research studies are proposed to help in the proper management of these dunes. It is recommended that the dunes should be preserved for nature conservation and prosperity of the area.
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| Format: | Book Section biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
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Acts Press
1998
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| Subjects: | Dunes, Geomorphology, Vegetation cover, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/8871 |
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| Summary: | The coastal sand dunes are one of the coastal ecosystems in Malindi District, which borders the Indian Ocean. The dunes between Malindi and Mambrui town extend to over about 10 km and cover an area of about 700 ha. This study describes the composition, structure and distribution of the dune vegetation. Possible edaphic factors which may affect the distribution of the vegetation were also investigated. The area was studied by air-photo interpretation, field sampling and laboratory analysis. Six transects were demarcated perpendicular to the sea. With the help of these techniques geomorphology units were distinguished, namely; the beach berm, unridged dune platform, transgressive, dunes 1, 2 and 3, incipient foredune ridges, primary and secondary slacks, drowned valley and fossil foredune ridges. A total of 156 plants species were identified representing sixty families with Gramineae (17 species) and Papilionaceae (16 species) being the most represented. Fifteen plant communities were described in the different geomorphological units. A distinct zonal distribution of the plant communities was found. A TWINSPAN analysis grouped geomorphological units of similar localities, mainly on the basis of their species composition. The Halopyrum mucronatum and Ipomoea pes caprae communities were common in the more unstable beach berm, unridged dune platform, transgressive dune 1 and 2. While the Cordia somalensis community was found in the more stable geomorphological units including transgressive dune 3, incipient foredune ridges and fossil foredune ridges. Significant variations in the soil parameters in different geomorphological units were detected (p=.001). Sand dynamics and mean particle size of the sand were the most important factors influencing the vegetation composition, structure and distribution. Other important research studies are proposed to help in the proper management of these dunes. It is recommended that the dunes should be preserved for nature conservation and prosperity of the area. |
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