Page 20 - IFV Issue 9_2023

Estate News

NAVIGATING WATER CONSERVATION

During the Looming El Niño: A South African Case Study
A s temperatures begin to

increase,
Africa
South
prepares to embrace its
vibrant growing season – a time of
renewal and transformation which
holds promise for abundant crops
and blooming flora. However, with
water scarcity and climate change
ever-present in the country, it
becomes imperative to adopt water
conservation principles.
El Niño is a natural climate
phenomenon that occurs in the Pacific
Ocean. It involves the periodic warming of
sea surface temperatures, which can have
far-reaching effects on global weather
patterns. Recently, climate scientists
issued warnings to the government, To navigate the potential effect of El Low water use zone: Covering 30
businesses and communities on evidence Niño, these are some of the essential – 60% of the garden. This area should
pointing towards a moderate-to-strong #WaterWise principles you can receive (300 – 500mm per year) of water.
El Niño forming in 2023 based on regular incorporate in your garden: Very low water use zone: This
monitoring of the El Niño-Southern Watering times: Water in the early zone should cover the largest part of the
Oscillation (ENSO) system. morning or late afternoon as this garden (< 300mm of water per year).
Historical data taken from the SA reduces water lost to evaporation. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic
Weather Service’s website indicated that Avoid watering between 10am and mulch (straw, wood chips, etc.) on the
between July 2022 – September 2022, 2pm from October to February. surface of the soil around plants to
most parts of the country experienced Hydrozoning: Group plants with retain moisture in the soil. For effective
low average rainfall volumes ranging similar watering requirements to mulching, apply organic mulch using the
from 0mm to 50mm. This places us reduce the needless use of water. This following thickness guidelines:
in a vulnerable position, because the can be achieved by incorporating the Wood chips: 50 - 100mm
El Niño effect could further delay the following zones within your garden Straw: 50 - 120mm
first rainfalls which are essential for our design: Leaves: 20 - 100mm
gardens. As the growing season is upon High water use zone: Covering 10 Lawn clipping: 20mm at a time
us, the need to increase water use to – 30% of the garden. This area requires Shredded bark: 50 - 100mm
preserve young seedlings and encourage more water (750 – 1000mm per year). Sawdust: 20 - 75mm
seed germination is inevitable. Thus, Medium water use zone: Covering
gardeners need to carefully consider 20 – 40% of the garden. Plants in this
what is required for the conservation of zone receive limited water (500 – 750mm
our limited water resources. per year).

Always be #WaterWise!

18 • Issue 9 2023 • The Villager