Authors:
Carl C. Trettin
Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress
Venue:
Stockholm
Keywords:
gully-erosion, lesotho, mountain-peatlands
Documentfile:
Trettin 2012: Ecological Characterization of Peatlands in the Maloti Moutains, Lesotho
Summary:
Theme V. Restoration, rehabilitation and after-use of disturbed peatlands
SUMMARY
In the Maloti Mountains of Lesotho, peatlands are a common component of the landscape, typically occurring above 2,500 m a.s.l. The wetlands occur in first-order watersheds near the valley headwall, they are also common along the valley side, sloping into the streams. The peat began to develop 3,500 – 4,500 yr. BP, once the valley side slopes stabilized. The peat typically ranges in thickness from 1 to 2.5 m, on slopes between 5 and 18 percent. Compositionally, the peatlands are a grass-sedge fen, with the organic soil horizon being highly decomposed (sapric); there is evidence of frequent fires in the peat core indicating a historical natural fire regime. Many of the peatlands are highly degraded, primarily from overgrazing.