Making optimal use of scarce water resources
FAST FACTS
The Dutoit Group has redesigned the irrigation infrastructure on its Langkloof farms to prevent the over- and under-irrigation of its orchards.
Long-radius microsprinklers have been replaced with drippers and short-radius micro-sprinklers.
Mulch and compost are used to reduce evaporation and improve the waterholding capacity of the soil.
The Langkloof, a fertile valley bisected by the R62 in the Eastern Cape, is famous for its fruit production. The past few years, however, have seen farmers in the area struggling to provide enough water for their orchards. The valley received its last normal annual rainfall in 2015, and competition for water in urban and other farming areas has resulted in deep cuts in water allocations to Langkloof producers.
“The Langkloof falls in the main catchment area of the Kouga Dam, which supplies people in and around Gqeberha [Port Elizabeth] as well as the Gamtoos Irrigation Board.
“In June this year, the dam contained less than 4% of its capacity,” explains Johan Kotzé,
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