The nature of soil erosion and possible conservation strategies in Ntabelanga area, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Soil erosion is a major land degradation problem in South Africa (SA) that has economic, social and environmental implications due to both on-site and off-site effects. High rates of soil erosion by water are causing rapid sedimentation of water bodies, ultimately leading to water crisis in SA. Lots of financial and human resources are channelled towards controlling of soil erosion but unfortunately with little success. The level of soil erosion in a particular area is governed by the site properties. Therefore, it is inappropriate to generalize data on soil erosion at a large-scale spatial context. The literature on soil erosion in SA classifies Eastern Cape Province as a high-erosion-potential area using data collected at a large-scale spatial context. Collecting soil erosion data at a large spatial scale ignores site-specific properties that could influence soil erosion and has resulted in failure of many traditional soil erosion control measures applied in the province. Moreover, scientific principles underlying the processes and mechanisms of soil erosion in highly erodible soils are missing in SA. This review was to find effective soil erosion control measures by having an insight on what happens during soil erosion and how soil erosion occurs in Ntabelanga. The literature suggested that erosion in Ntabelanga could be influenced by both the erosivity and erodibility factors though the erodibility factors being more influential. Soil permeability contrast between the horizons could be influencing the rate and nature of soil erosion. To mitigate the impact of soil erosion in Ntabelanga, efforts should aim to improve the vertical flow capacity in the B horizon. Clay spreading, clay delving, addition of gypsum, deep ploughing and mulching could aid the water permeability problems of the subsurface horizons. However for effective soil management and control option, detailed studies of specific site properties are needed. The generated information can assist in formulating soil erosion policies and erosion control strategies in the Ntabelanga area and SA at large.