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Window Onto Nature's - Soil Conservation - The Earthly Cover On Which All Life Depends

Window Onto Nature's - Soil Conservation - The Earthly Cover On Which All Life Depends

Author: Jill Theunissen
Date: 2022-07-28

The recent devastating Floods have highlighted the loss of thousands of Tons of swface soil due to the volwne of Stormwater "run-off'' with resulting erosion and damages now running into billions. Previous research in South Africa has shown that not all our soils are rich and agriculturally viable. In turn, this further poses the threat of sustainability and production of our food resources to meet me needs of a growing population. Of concern are recorded increases in fertilizers over the past 15 to 24 months with implication that Government subsidies to farmers should be in place. News media relating to the invasion of Ukraine has evaluated that their agricultural production sustains approximately 400 million people globally on an annual basis. There is a ripple effect to all importers, with cooking oil being a local example of price increase.

A unified approach and recognition at all levels of our Society, is needed and has never been more urgent, to "Protect" and enhance our valuable Soil Resource. A new Vision, linked to laid down Procedures, which include Professional 'on site' Assessment and thorough Laboratory Analysis, is much needed to ensure optimwn Land Utilization. There have been large tracts of land permitted "Change of Usage" from agriculture to residential development. Within this procedure there are written 'Conditions of Authorisation", which contain laid down criteria that are Legal Requirements. For example, "Soil Quality Improvement" is necessary to re-establish the Natural Habitat and growth of a wide spectrum of indigenous trees, plants, lawns, certain exotic species and home grown vegetables. This is not a flash in the pan idea, with 'CONTINUITY' of Soil Quality Improvement, and rehabilitation stabilization often essential for an initial 5-year period, with regular professional monitoring thereafter. The Environment is "Dynamic", not static and cannot be compromised.

At the Planning Stage specific KEY ISSUES should be considered and include the Aspect, Extent of the area, together with topographical data and distance from the Shoreline. What type of soils and existing vegetation currently host the area within the boundaries, including any existing crop and linked properties. Plant lists should be drawn up with Alien and Invasive species identified for removal. Where there is existing sugar cane it is critical to only gradually remove the stolons where absolutely necessary.

Ensure that Stormwater management and mechanisms are in place at the ST ART OF CONSTRUCTION. The Stormwater management together with proven methodology, must be in reliable hands for every project to REDUCE RUN-OFF AND EROSION. The Coastal Dunes present Aeolian wind blown sands and are particularly fragile. When disturbed by man and are without a natural dense indigenous canopy and deep rooting species the collapse potential increases. The Rear Dune landscape with the Red Berea clay beds present is regarded as a "High Risk" category. Lay bare the soil and pay the price! "DUTY OF CARE" must apply at all times.