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Classification of Small Seasonal Ponds Based on Soil–Water Environments in the Cuvelai Seasonal Wetland System, North-Central Namibia

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Abstract

The objectives of this study were to classify the small seasonal ponds that develop in the Cuvelai Seasonal Wetland System in north-central Namibia based on soil physicochemical properties so that potential agricultural uses of the ponds could be assessed. Satellite imagery was used to examine the relationships between soil characteristics and the probability of water presence in the region. Soil samples were collected from 66 ponds at three sites and their physicochemical properties and levels of salt accumulation were investigated. Soil data were analyzed by using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The ponds were classified into four types based on soil properties. Type A accounted for 20% of the ponds and was characterized by high levels of clay, silt, total N, and exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K. Type B accounted for 14% of the ponds and was characterized by high values of organic C, C/N ratios, and available P. Type C accounted for 20% of the ponds, and this type featured high levels of salinity and sodicity. The remaining ponds were classified as Type D. If these seasonal ponds are to be considered for crop production, Type C should be avoided and Type D would require soil fertility improvements.

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Acknowledgements

This study was conducted as part of the project entitled “Flood- and Drought-Adaptive Cropping Systems to Conserve Water Environments in Semiarid Regions” within the framework of the “Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS)” funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). We thank Professor Osmund Mwandemele, Dr. Simon K. Awala, and the members of the project for their support with the fieldwork. We also appreciate the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ALOS-2 4th Research Announcement titled “Hydrological monitoring of surface wetness in seasonal wetlands of northern Namibia,” in order to introduce “Flood- and Drought-Adaptive Cropping Systems” for providing the ALOS/PALSAR images.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan

    Yuichiro Fujioka

  2. Fukushima University, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan

    Yoshinori Watanabe

  3. Earth Observation Research Center, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan

    Hiroki Mizuochi

  4. Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Private Bag 5520, Oshakati, Namibia

    Fisseha Itanna & Shou Ruben

  5. Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kindai University, Nara, 631-8505, Japan

    Morio Iijima

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  1. Yuichiro Fujioka
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  2. Yoshinori Watanabe
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  3. Hiroki Mizuochi
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  4. Fisseha Itanna
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  6. Morio Iijima
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Correspondence to Yuichiro Fujioka.

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Fujioka, Y., Watanabe, Y., Mizuochi, H. et al. Classification of Small Seasonal Ponds Based on Soil–Water Environments in the Cuvelai Seasonal Wetland System, North-Central Namibia. Wetlands 38, 1045–1057 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-018-1073-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-018-1073-y

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