Page 24 - Landscape-Issue151

GOLF AND TURF FEATURE

Water: A precious commodity
Situated in a semi-arid region where
water scarcity is a pressing reality, EPGR
was built with a sophisticated water
management infrastructure. Its turfgrass
selection, irrigation systems and landscape
architecture were all carefully curated to
optimise usage.
A state-of-the-art, computerised irriga-
tion management system ensures that
watering is precise, targeted and minimal.
Indigenous grasses were selected not only
for their playability but for their low water
demands and resilience under local climatic
conditions.
“In a water-stressed environment,
every drop counts,” Buitendach notes. “We
monitor soil moisture, evapotranspiration
rates and weather patterns in real time. It’s
about being as efficient as possible while
keeping the course in pristine condition.”
The reserve also captures and re-uses
runoff from rainfall and has installed A holistic approach to biodiversity management has been embraced at Elements, and winning the John
retention ponds to harvest stormwater. Collier Environmental Award in 2023 has validated its extensive environmental programs.
These serve the dual purpose of conserving
water and creating micro-habitats for
aquatic and avian species.

Biodiversity and habitat
stewardship
What sets Elements apart from many
other golf resorts is its holistic approach
to biodiversity management. Unlike
traditional golf courses that often
homogenise natural landscapes, EPGR has
embraced its environmental context fully.
Of the 500 hectares that make up the
reserve, less than a third is occupied by the
golf course. The rest is natural bushveld, left
to flourish as habitat for a wide range of
fauna and flora including antelope species,
small predators, birdlife and indigenous
plant species.
To ensure the protection of this
delicate ecosystem, the reserve follows a
biodiversity action plan that involves:
• habitat mapping and monitoring,
including tracking plant species’ health
and animal population trends;
• controlled annual burn programs, designed
to stimulate natural fire cycles and seed
germination, and regenerate the soil; In collaboration with local environmental Award not only validated EPGR’s
• alien invasive species eradication consultants and soil scientists, the team environmental programs but also unlocked
programs to protect indigenous flora; and conducts soil micro-biome assessments. momentum - and funding - for further
• animal health monitoring, using camera These help determine the presence technological innovation. Since 2023,
traps to track movements and behaviour. of beneficial microbial activity, which the reserve has begun rolling out a suite
“The fire ecology plan is one of our most supports plant health and reduces the need of precision management technologies,
effective tools,” explains Buitendach. “When for chemical interventions. including:
implemented responsibly, controlled burns “Improving soil biology is the long game,” • irrigation micro-zoning, where each zone
enhance biodiversity, reduce fuel loads, and says Buitendach. “It’s not just about treating is fine-tuned based on slope, soil type and
maintain ecological balance. It also directly symptoms, but building a resilient, self- sun exposure;
impacts the health of our grazing animals sustaining system underground. Healthy • animal tracking cameras, aiding both
and plant communities.” soil equals healthy turf—and a healthy safety and conservation;
environment.” • environmental sensors, which collect
Chemical and soil management EPGR also implements buffer zones real-time data on soil, humidity and
Turf management at EPGR is governed by a around all water bodies, where no chemicals temperature; and
“minimum necessary input” philosophy. The are applied, ensuring runoff does not • solar-powered infrastructure, reducing
use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides contaminate these sensitive ecosystems. reliance on the national grid.
is strictly controlled, with a strong emphasis These systems allow for more data-driven
on organic alternatives and biological pest Technology and innovation decisions, reducing waste and enhancing
control. Winning the John Collier Environmental the sustainability of daily operations.

22 Landscape SA • Issue 151 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za