Ahlume Namhla Coni and Albert Thembinkosi Modi *
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
* Correspondence: amodi@wsu.ac.za
Received: 23 April 2026 Revised: 11 October 2026 Accepted: 15 October 2026 Published: 27 October 2026
ABSTRACT
Effective responses to environmental pressures in agricultural systems require good understanding of the pressures associated with soil degradation, nutrient depletion, biodiversity loss, and climate variability. Systems-based solutions are necessary to explain the restorative role of grassland ecosystems where leguminous woody species occur. The aim of the study was to synthesise multidisciplinary evidence on Vachellia karroo, a widely distributed native tree of southern Africa. A systematic review was used to explore four dimensions of a conceptual framework. Soil restoration, biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation were selected as the four pillars. The outcomes of the synthesis demonstrated that V. karroo improves soil fertility. This can be explained in the context of organic matter and nitrogen fixation. It is also linked to ecosystem sustainability, in terms of vegetation establishment, enhanced soil carbon storage, and resilience under environmental stress. It is concluded that the benefits of V. karroo must be explained in an ecological context that includes tree density, rainfall, and land use. However, there is a need to explain why a moderate presence of V. karroo promotes ecosystem recovery, while excessive proliferation may suppress grass species.
Keywords: Vachellia karroo; regenerative agriculture; soil health restoration; ecosystem resilience
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