Natural Resources

Projects, Products and Services

Mission
To characterize the natural resources, optimize agricultural potential and enhance productivity through sustainable natural resource management in KZN

Location
Province of KwaZulu-Natal 

Objectives
To identify, monitor and research on current land use, veld condition and land degradation in the Province on a scientifically researched basis

• Develop the Bio-resource Programme by compiling additional resource data, improve data accuracy and determine agricultural potential and sustainability for land use planning
• To provide training in natural resource utilization and land assessment to enhance economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture

CURRENT PROJECTS
Current projects aim to integrate agricultural technology development with sustainable resource utilization

Land use monitoring and status of the natural resources
To assess current agricultural land use and agricultural potential of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as to monitor changes in the natural resource base, critical to sound and economically viable development of the agricultural resources for sustainable production and food security in the Province.  Satellite imagery is analyzed, ground-truthed and interpreted to provide such information to clients. 

Bio-resource Programme
This program serves to provide ready access to the natural resource databases for the Province, to empower clients and extension personnel to optimize potential and effect appropriate land use management systems to achieve greater productivity and food security while maintaining a sound resource base. 

Soil Survey Database Development
The resource database does not have local (farm) level soil survey information readily available for the Province and is currently scanning and undertaking soil surveys to fill this very crucial gap in the existing Bio-resource database. 

Land Degradation and Alien Plants Program
Land degradation mapping and alien plant invasions are being undertaken with satellite imagery and verified by ground surveys.

Land Use Planning and Soil Surveys
Land use planning and soil surveys are undertaken for various clients on request and the data is added to the BRP to ensure improved accuracy of information.

Natural Resource Information Available (narrative and map format): 

• Agricultural land potential
• Climate data – temperature, rainfall, heat/chill units, evaporation
• Broad soil associations
• Veld data and management information
• Crop potential and yield models
• Alternate crops suitability by climate
• Vegetation types
• Erosion hazard
• Degradation status
• Land cover from satellite imagery(2011)
• Infrastructure – towns, roads, major dams
• DM, LM boundaries
• Quaternary water catchments

Staff Contact details