The progressive abandonment and desiccation of the lower Nqoga River system and its associated vegetation-covered peat deposits, has resulted in the development of sub-surface peat fires. These appear to have been burning in the study area for decades and consist of a mosaic of burning fronts, the first of which burns to a depth of up to 15 cm. This relatively shallow fire destroys the bases of stems and plant rhizomes, thereby preventing re-establishment of the former plant community by vegetative growth. Soils; Ecological processes.