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Verlorenvlei Estuary Management Plan
Part 3: Detailed Implementation Plans
3.4 Agriculture
3.4.1 Targets & Critical Limits
Operational specifications refer to the measureable targets or critical limits applicable to
activities/developments or activity/development zones in and around the estuary.
To be included in later version of EMP by the Estuary Forum Executive team
3.4.2 Management Strategies and Actions
The following actions or issues, specifically related to land- and water use have been identified at the
Stakeholder Workshop held in Eland Bay (September 2009):
Agriculture Best Practice (e.g. Biodiversity and Potato and Rooibos Initiatives) needs to
be supported by all farmers in region. Agricultural return flow (enriched through overapplication
of fertilizers) and increase turbidity in Verlorenvlei as a result of siltation
should be addressed through agricultural best practice agricultural best practice.
Overgrazing of natural areas in and around the system (e.g. goats, pigs and cattle) causing
siltation should be addressed through agricultural best practice. Lack of cover crops
causing increased sediment input into the vlei – water and wind erosion should be
addressed through agricultural best practice;
Harvesting and burning of reeds and sedges need to be controlled. The burning of reeds
reduces buffer capacity and disturbs nutrient processes. Increased reed growth (result of
sedimentation, pollution, lower water levels and obstruction to flow) needs to be halted
and if possible reversed. The harvesting of reeds could potentially help control reed
growth, but it needs to be investigated as reeds are also acting as nutrient “traps” that
help control blue-green algal blooms; and
Grazing of salt mashes which leads to reduction in detritus (food) to Verlorenvlei and a
loss of riparian buffer capacity against sedimentation needs to be address.
ACTION 4.1: Develop and implement agricultural best practice specifically to reduce nutrient enriched
return flow and sediment erosion (e.g. through Biodiversity and Potatoes/Rooibos Initiatives)
Related Strategic
Objective/s
Relevant legislation
Responsible agent
Estimated Budget R1000 0000
Timeframe
On going
Priority
High
Further degradation (negative trajectory) of Verlorenvlei ecosystem is halted
Ecological health of ecosystem is improved
Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No 43 of 1983)
National Water Act (No 36 of 1998)
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Department of Water Affairs
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