Flood variation and soil nutrient content in floodplain vegetation communities in the Okavango Delta

Soil nutrient content in the Okavango Delta's floodplain vegetation zones varies significantly with flood levels, with high floods generally increasing phosphorus and altering pH, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels. High floods also increase flooding depth and duration across all zones. These findings have practical implications for molapo farming, suggesting that ploughing should occur immediately after flood recession when soils are moist and nutrient-rich.

Tsheboeng, G., Bonyongo, M., & Murray-Hudson, M. (2017). Flood variation and soil nutrient content in floodplain vegetation communities in the Okavango Delta. South African Journal of Science, 110(3/4), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1590/sajs.2014/20130168