In conclusion, the present study showed evidence of the
occurrence of HR in V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa. HRW
appeared to represent a certain proportion of water used in
the surroundings of these two species during the study period.
Therefore, this phenomenon may play an important role in
the adaptation of these two species to dry conditions by prolonging
fine-root activity during the long dry seasons. The
occurrence of HR in the two dominant species of parkland
systems suggests facilitation for the associated crops even
though this is still to be proven. Thus, knowledge of the extent
of such transfers and of the seasonal patterns is required and
is of paramount importance in parkland systems. More investigations
are needed on such processes in parkland systems to
fully explain their functionality and in formulating management
options to improve the performance of the overall
system.