Abstract
M.Sc.
The objectives of this thesis were to map, categorise and document the peat resources
of Maputaland in terms of:
• extent and distribution of peat occurrences
• description of peat types
• a proximate analysis of the energy content
• chronology: C 14 ages and accumulation rates
• utilisation of the peat resource.
The study area is situated in Maputaland, on the northern KwaZulu-Natal coastline
and is confined by the South African-Mozambique boundary in the north, the Indian
Ocean in the east, the Mfolozi River in the south and the Lebombo Mountains in the
west.
Peatlands were identified and delineated on 1 :50 000 maps and aerial photographs.
Peat cores were taken to describe peat profiles and cross-sections. The physical
characteristics of the peat were described in the field according to colour, moisture
content, fibre length and fibre content and compared with the Von Post humification
scale. Selected samples were C14 dated and the C14 ages used to determine peat
accumulation rates and to characterise the peatlands together with calorific value
(MJ/kg) (air-dried samples) and proximate analysis.
Two hundred and sixty-six peatlands were investigated during this study. Peat
thicknesses varies from 0.5 to 10m and wetlands vary in size from a few hectares up
to 8 800 ha. The peat resource is inferred to be 158-million m3 moist peat and it
comprises 60% of South Africa's peat. Peatlands occur in areas where the rainfall
exceeds 600 mm/year and at elevations between sea level and 50 m above mean sea
level.