The study examines the relationship between the spatial variation in soil erosion and various natural and anthropogenic attributes of the region between the coastal plateau and the Winterberg escarpment of Ciskei. A raster-based geographical information system is derived for four separate study catchments and data on soil erosion and various soil erosion hazard indices are read into a computerised data matrix. The independent variables (soil erosion hazard indices) used in the study are selected on the basis of a review of the literature and on the availability of data in the Ciskei region. Multivariate analyses of the relationship between soil erosion and the various independent variables reveals that the primary variables affecting the spatial variation in soil erosion are land use, dominant soil type, geology, veld type and mean annual precipitation. All of these variables are readily quantifiable at the regional scale for large areas of Ciskei. An erosion hazard assessment model for use in central Ciskei is developed based on the results of the statistical analyses. The model is tested in separate study areas and is shown to provide an efficient method of identifying areas of differing susceptibility to soil erosion. The derived model is simple to operate and has input requirements which are easily met. It can be applied without the aid of computers, or where large areas are to be mapped it is well suited to computerisation

This study originated from an evaluation of the performance of a commercially available high concentration point focus concentrator PV system. The effect of module design flaws was studied by using current-voltage (I-V) curves obtained from each module in the array. The position of reverse bias steps revealed the severity of mismatch in a string of series-connected cells. By understanding the effects of the various types of mismatch, power losses and damage to the solar cells resulting from hot spot formation can be minimized and several recommendations for improving the basic performance of similar systems were made. Concern over the extent and type of defect failure of the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells prompted an investigation into the use of a light beam induced current (LBIC) technique to investigate the spatial distribution of defects. An overview of current and developing LBIC techniques revealed that the original standard LBIC techniques have found widespread application, and that far-reaching and important developments of the technique have taken place over the years. These developments are driven by natural progression as well as the availability of newly developed advanced measurement equipment. Several techniques such as Lock-in Thermography and the use of infrared cameras have developed as complementary techniques to advanced LBIC techniques. As an accurate contactless evaluation tool that is able to image spatially distributed defects in cell material, the basis of this method seemed promising for the evaluation of concentrator cells.

M.Ing. (Civil Engineering) / The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a sisal fibre natural geotextile in controlling the rate and extent of soil erosion. The effectiveness of this locally produced material was compared to other natural fibre geotextiles and other methods commonly used for the control of soil erosion. The different materials and methods were tested under the same conditions to compare the relative effectiveness of these products. The various erosion control products were subjected to laboratory tests. A rainfall simulator and an adjustable slope simulator were used to simulate the process of soil erosion. During these tests the effectiveness of the different products in controlling soil erosion was measured and conclusions were made about the effectiveness of the products. Mechanical sieve analysis tests were used to determine the erodibility of the different soil particles. Field trials that made use of the sisal fibre geotextile are also discussed.

M.Sc. (Geography) / This study concentrates. not only on the physical and chemical factors influencing erosion levels in the Pilanesberg area, but also on the impact of anthropogenic factors such as artificial drainage and other cultural irregularities that have modified the local catchment in the Pilanesberg area. For this reason, a comparative study of soil erosion has been made across the perimeter of the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. The study'aimed to analyze the impact of climatic factors, chemical and physical properties of the soils on the local erosion system. Possible triggering mechanisms of the erosion have been discussed and conservation concerns in the Pilanesberg area have been raised. Of major importance in this study has been the'estimation of soil loss rates across the perimeter of the PNR.. This was premised on the 'rationale that population pressure has an impact on the local erosion system, Through the' analysis of sediment trapped at the monitoring sites it has been possible to indicate the tremendous impact of population pressure on the slopes of the Pilanesberg hills, just outside of the PNR. The rate at which soil is lost on the surrounding rural landscape in the Pilanesberg area has been found to be on average. nearly four times higher than inside of the PNR.

The study examines the effect of ridged pineapple cultivation on factors influencing the soil erodibility of Glenrosa and Oakleaf soil forms in the Bathurst district of South Africa. A number of physical and chemical variables influencing soil erodibility are investigated, namely soil moisture, bulk density, porosity, infiltration rate, aggregate stability, shear strength, soil texture, soil structure, penetrability, organic carbon, pH and cation exchange capacity. These soil characteristics are examined in undisturbed soils under natural vegetation and compared to those on adjacent traffic areas, pineapple ridges and pineapple furrows. The results of the analyses between the four sample sites indicate that ridged cultivation of pineapples has a negative effect on factors influencing soil erodibility on the areas studied. The results of the analysis within each of the sample sites do not illustrate any clear relationships and thus depict the complexity and multiplicity of the soil erodibility phenomenon. A further study, augmenting the soil erodibility data with actual soil loss data, is recommended

MSCAGR (Soil Science) / Department of Soil Science / Accelerated soil erosion is a serious agricultural problem in South Africa limiting soil productivity and little it’s known about its effect on soil quality. This study aimed to provide a less laborious, less time consuming and inexpensive protocol of estimating the effects of accelerated erosion on the soil quality. An assessment was undertaken in sites showing threat of accelerated erosion using various direct physical soil quality indicators. Four sites with different soil types were identified at initial survey. In each of the sites, two areas were selected. These areas were then classified as Not Visibly Eroded (NVE) and Visibly Eroded (VE). Each measurement in all site was done in those area classified respectively. The most stable structure and consistency were observed in NVE areas. Medium and large stones were observed in VE areas in all soil types studied. The VE soils were lighter in colour compared to soil colour in NVE. Aggregate stability and moisture content were significantly higher for the NVE and VE areas. Difference in values of water stable aggregates between NVE and VE was clear which showed that stability of aggregates is important in determining soil susceptible to erosion. Bulk density values were slightly different for the two areas. However, there was no significant difference between the bulk density of NVE and VE. Differences between soil texture for NVE and VE areas are only apparent for the sand, clay and silt particles with no changes in textural class. For all soil types investigated, silt was vulnerable to accelerated erosion with respect to soil texture. The research has provided baseline protocol for using physical soil quality indicators to find out effects of accelerated erosion. Soil functionality is critical in the restoration process of soil quality, and the methods used here could be effectively applied in a broad range assessment of erosion impact. / NRF

Submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg as a requirement for the Degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 1992. / The effect of sodium on clays dominates the formation and ecology of granitic eatenas in the Eastern Transvaal Lowveld. This study reviews the process involved and explains the soil, vegetation and erosion patterns in this landscape. Weathering parent rock gives rise to sodium in sufficient amounts to promote clay dispersion. Dispersed, mobile, clays respond to seasonal pulses of laterally moving soil water resulting in alternating zones of clay illuviation and clay deposition down hillslopes [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version] / AC2017

Thesis (MTech (Civil Engineering))--Cape Technikon, 1992. / In the Western Cape, gully ("donga") erosion is characteristic of the Swartland area where the effects of the problem have reached spectacular dimensions. In 1942 the Social and Economic Planning Council commissioned an investigation into the distribution and prevention of gully erosion. This investigation was led by Professor W J Talbot of the University of Cape Town, with the collaboration of researchers from the University of Stellenbosch. This led to the "Swartland and Sandveld" publication in August 1945. Little progress has since been made. The gullies identified by Prof Talbot's team remain to this day. In most cases they have grown even longer and deeper. The present investigation aims to study a typical network in one catchment area and to propose measures for the reclamation or stabilization of gullies. Such measures must not only be effective but also economically justifiable. In reclaiming or stabilizing a donga, a key factor is the establishment of a foundation structure. Such a structure is essential for supporting semi-permanent structures and promoting the growth of grass and bushes. At present, however, no satisfactory methods are known for the design and construction of supporting walls In narrow, deep dongas, other than those methods that require a rock foundation. Furthermore, conventional methods would require a buttress of length 17 m for a retaining wall of height 4,4 m. The amount of concrete needed, would clearly be excessive. It is therefore one of the aims of this study to develop a retaining wall with a relatively short buttress. If finances permit, the retaining structure, will be built and the stabilization process carefully monitored for possible applications in the future.

Commercial forestry is recognized for both its economic contribution as well as its environmental impact. Of particular concern, is the soil erosion and sedimentation of watercourses associated with forestry plantations. Environmental laws regulate many of the activities of the forestry sector. It is critical that the forestry sector ensure that its operations are compliant with the legal requirements that govern its use of natural resources. In pursuing legal compliance it is necessary to ensure that erosion control strategies are developed so as to ensure the positive effects of any interventions are optimised. The identification of areas that are particularly at risk to erosion or contribute to sediment delivery is an essential component in prioritising areas for management interventions. Establishing the erosion potential for commercial forestry areas is readily accomplished through the application of existing models. Process based erosion models generally have greater data requirements than the empirically derived USLE-based models. Given the paucity of data available, the latter approach was adopted. Two methods of topographic sub-factor derivation were investigated, those associated with the RUSLE (Renard, Foster, Weesies & McCool1991) and the Unit Stream Power method presented by Moore and Burch (1986). Since no existing methods identifying delivery risk areas existed, a method was developed based on principles and factors identified in the literature. Additionally, methods for identifying topographic assets, in terms of sediment attenuation, were developed. From these models three indices were derived; sediment supply, delivery risk and sediment attenuation. Thereafter, the mean Sediment Supply Index was divided by stream length for small catchments defined within the landscape to derive an index of sediment loading to streams. This index is used to identify priorities for management intervention across the landscape. The mean slope and sediment supply is used to develop buffer width recommendations for the streams draining the catchments, using a method developed by Karssies and Prosser (2001). Using the three indices in conjunction it is possible to make on-site and off-site erosion control recommendations as well as identify and exploit any natural features that can be utilized in erosion control. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002

Thesis (MA (History))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Although the environment is of obvious and primary importance in agriculture, the historical relationship between agriculture and the environment has not been widely researched. A socio-environmental paradigm provides a useful, inter-disciplinary framework for writing history. It takes into account the fact that ‘natural disasters’ are not merely happening to farmers, governments and communities, subsequently disturbing economic growth-patterns and reverberating amongst policy-makers and politicians. The relationship is much more reciprocal. The environment is not perceived as a player that sometimes disrupts the historical narrative, forcing the plot in a certain direction before returning to the wings. It is rather percieved as an agent within agricultural history. The social-cultural as well as material relationships between people (in this case white farmers), state and the environment are explored as an ecosystem. The thesis focuses on a time period after the First World War to just after the Second World War (c.1920 – c.1950). It asks questions: whom and what has informed the ideas of the state with regards to agriculture and to what extent did it filtered through to the farming communities themselves? The motives behind these approaches are explored. The thesis will also look at how officials translated the policies, legislation and education into what was perceived as functional for the farmers and effective for the environment, tracing how it changed over time. The shifting perception of the farmers about the environment and themselves, and the role of the state played in ‘management’ of the environment are analysed, using press correspondence, marketing campaigns and popular texts. Two themes that garnered much debate in the agricultural sector at the state, farmer and environment interface, include the ‘disasters’ of soil erosion and locust plagues. On the level of ‘scientific agriculture,’ the shift from Europe as a point of reference to the United States is discussed. This is done against the backdrop of South Africa’s semi-arid landscape and how farmers came to grips with this ostensibly hostile environment in an era where mechanisation and urbanisation are thought to have radically altered the conceptualisation of the natural environment.