Focus on Soil Organic Carbon Variability Across Grassland Ecosystems

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Remote sensing and deep learning techniques were used in research to gain a better understanding of the influence of woody encroachment on the soil organic carbon (SOC) sink in grassland ecosystems.

The research was done by Mr Sfundo Mthiyane who is now celebrating graduating with his Master’s in Environmental Science cum laude.

Originally from Nseleni Township near Richards Bay, studying at UKZN fulfilled a dream for Mthiyane, who saw schoolmates attend the University and heard about their positive experiences at the Institution. The first in his family to attend university, he saw it as an opportunity to open doors for his family and community.

He appreciated the University’s educational offerings, particularly the supportive structures, such as supplemental instruction and tutoring services, and the equality between students no matter their background or race.

The practicality of environmental science drew Mthiyane to the discipline as it practically explained daily ecological phenomena. His passion for analysing data using computer-based models led him to specialise in applied remote sensing and ecology for his postgraduate studies, as he enjoyed the time spent analysing various datasets.

Mthiyane’s master’s research involved quantifying the variability of SOC across untouched and encroached grasslands in Bisley Nature Reserve in Pietermaritzburg. The elevated amounts of SOC stored by grasslands globally make them vital environments for ecological services, including climate regulation, good water quality and biodiversity. The encroachment of woody species, including trees and shrubs, into grasslands influences their structure, ecological dynamics and SOC distributions.

Mthiyane produced critical information about SOC distribution following woody encroachment that environmental managers can use to make informed decisions about the conservation area he focused on. His results revealed that encroachment amplifies SOC accumulation and is mostly concentrated in topsoil, contributing to the debate in scientific literature about SOC distribution at various soil depths.

Mthiyane’s work demonstrated the robustness of remote sensing techniques in quantifying SOC distribution in deeper soil depths after woody encroachment.

The loss of a bursary for Mthiyane’s postgraduate studies due to a submission error that affected his average marks in his honour’s year posed a significant challenge for continuing his studies, creating additional pressure as he conducted his two years of master’s research without funding.

Despite this setback, Mthiyane stuck to a firm weekly schedule to manage his work and ensure he completed his research on time. He has registered to continue onto PhD studies.

Mthiyane credited God and his church, the Cave of Adullam Apostolic Centre, for his successes. He thanked his family and especially his mother, Ms Nomusa Mnguni, for their love, support and prayers, and his supervisors, Dr Trylee Matongera, Professor Onisimo Mutanga, and Professor John Odindi for their guidance. Without their belief and support, including financial support, Mthiyane says his studies would have been impossible.

He also thanked his colleagues, Mr Ntuthuko Mncwabe, Mr Celuxolo Dlamini, Mr Bheka Mlambo and Dr Snethemba Ndlovu for their encouragement throughout his studies.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Supplied