| Summary: | The aims of this study were to survey, classify, describe and ecologically interpret the
natural plant communities of the University of the Free State campus in Bloemfontein. A further aim was to apply the urban biotope mapping technique to the campus so that
ecological information may be availed to decision makers at the University in an easily
accessible format.
The phytosociological study was based on Braun-Blanquet procedures. A total of 222
reléves were classified using TURBOVEG, TWINSPAN and MEGATAB. Ordination
using the DECORANA ordination algorithm was also applied to the floristic data in order
to determine the relationship between the vegetation units and environmental variables.
The vegetation was classified into 5 Major Grassland Communities and 2 Major Wetland
Communities. All the vegetation units and sub-units were ecologically interpreted and
described.
Biotope mapping was conducted on the campus using a German technique that has
been used in the city of Potchefstroom after being customized to South African
conditions. The resultant biotope map showed that most of the space on the campus is
taken up by 3 biotope types, namely the built-up area with its intensively managed lawns
and gardens and planted trees mainly on the eastern side of the campus, the extensively
managed open spaces (natural grassland) mainly in the middle and to the west and the
intensively managed sports fields. This study also contributes to the building up of
scientific knowledge about the Grassland Biome.
Recommendations are made as to how the vegetation on the campus and in other
increasingly urbanizing areas of the Grassland Biome may be managed in a manner that
is ecologically sound and that meets amenity needs as well.
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