The Effects Of Burning On Grazing Resources In Nairobi National Park
Abstract
A study of the effects of burning on grazing resources
was conducted from July, 1978 and July, 1979 in the grasslands of
Nairobi National Park.
The aims and scope of this study were to
(a) Examine the effects of experimental burning on the grass
and on soil nutrients over a short period.
(b) Study fire rate of spread.
(c) Study the extent and effects of wildfires in the Park.
(d) Study the effects of f ire on woody species.
(e) Propose a burning programme for this Park.
Results from all the study sites on standing crop
reflect a very high proportion of dead grass in unburnt plcts
even in the middle of the rainy season. Nutrient analysis showed
that new growth of grasses in the burned plots had a higher
nitrogen content and were thus likely to be favoured by herbivores. Since the palatability aRc digestibility of the living
grass declines a~ it grows old, the ·results show the importance
of burning in reducing the amount of unpalatable, less nutritious
materials. There was no notable loss in soil nutrients both
30 minutes and two months after experimental burning. A slight
reduction in the number of woody plants was noted in burnt plots.
The speed of the backfires varied inversely with the
wind velocity, being lowest where the opposing wind velocity was
highest. The largest amounts of ash were formed where the
vegetation standing crop was highest before burning in the
experimental plots.
The results obtained indicate that a rotational burning
scheme can be recommended. Such a programme would initially be
experimental and its effects carefully monitored. The frequency
and the time of prescribed burning would depend on the amount of
accumulated grass, which in turn is dependent on precipitation and
grazing intensity in this Park .
Citation
Njenga Keiyoro.(1982).The Effects Of Burning On Grazing Resources In Nairobi National Park. A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the Degree of master of Science in the University of Nairobi.Publisher
University of Nairobi School of Biological Sciences,