Process Notes

Date: May 17th 2012 This was my very first meeting with my supervisor. We had planned to have this meeting prior to the summer break (i.e. June and July holiday) in order to clarify my goals and set a plan of what I hope to accomplish within this time. It was a very productive meeting and in the end, I had a clear understanding of what I had to do. My goals are as follows: Start and finish all research necessary concerning soil erosion in order to begin with the create phase ASAP. Commence with the create phase and if possible, finish! Record all thoughts, research and personal reflections in process journal.

Furthermore, we discussed our projects, ideas and solutions with one another in order to give feedback and constructive criticism. Date: July 10th 2012 My personal project is finally underway. Today, I spent my time researching the general view of erosion, its effect on South Africa and the different forms of preventing soil erosion. I also spent time researching the history of soil erosion in South Africa, how it has progressed and the types of sustainable solutions employed to prevent/stop the soil from continuing to degrade and erode. The general term erosion is classified and defined in several ways; however, in a nutshell it can be defined as the removal of material present in the surface of the earth's crust. (WordIQ) What I found truly astonishing is that In South Africa, soil erosion and the rate at which it progresses in some areas is increasing so dramatically that some say that it would be more effective to focus efforts on relocating rather than actually employing sustainable solutions! The fact of the matter (in my personal opinion) is that if they do not choose to act now, it might never again be possible to rehabilitate these areas. In the website that follows, the author briefly discusses the history of human growth and development and its impact on the world. In summary, he concludes that the naturally recurring process of erosion much like global warming is inevitable, however, human growth and development has so dramatically increased the rate at which this phenomena occurs that it may no longer act as a cycle but more like a consequence of our fatal actions (Hutton). For further information, visit the following website:

http://myunisa.academia.edu/ShoanaLeighHutton/Papers/906033/The_South_African_Soil_Environ ment Date: July 12th 2012 What are the methods of analysing and determining the extent of soil erosion? - This was the primary question I sought to answer today. Previously, I had (1) explored the history of soil erosion in Africa, (2) how it has changed the landscape, (3) general views on this issue and (4) the different forms erosion can take. I also focused on specific situations in the past where the right course of action were or were not taken. However, today, I wanted to determine the methods of analysis. Based on my research I can state that there is no set method employed in analysing erosion but a variety of methods each exploring different types of erosion and may vary depending on the scale. Some methods include spatial modelling/analysis, remote sensing, and satellite analysis. I must also add that analysing and creating models of erosion for specific areas are very difficult due to data variability, and overparameterization (Le Roux). There are so many factors which influence the rate, type and way in which the soil will erode. Note: That is why it is so important to take action immediately in order to avoid large-scale land rehabilitation. Apart from exploring the modes of analysis I also chose today to extend my research into my previous days search concerning the history of soil erosion in Africa and what is being done to prevent it. I found a report which included a dialogue with the president of the International Erosion Control Association of South Africa (IECA-SA). He discusses the current state of erosion in South Africa, its implications, prevention methods employed and the impact it will have if it is not taken more seriously. He notes that a mere 4% of South Africa is high potential agricultural land and stresses the fact that erosion generally occurs on land which is being utilized. I found this information very useful as it gave me a very clear idea of the current state of erosion in South Africa. One phrase which particularly stood out to me was: Erosion is the Cancer of Agriculture. I thought that the statement really gave an accurate idea of the devastation which erosion can inflict upon the land. (Lindeque) Date: July 13th 2012 Another important aspect in my research was to explore the varies methods employed to prevent and stop soil erosion. Today, I focused my research on the methods implemented around the world and how they vary. What fascinated me most about the different methods employed is how people

use both complex solutions such as the use of polyacrylamide and basic solutions such as contour plowing to solve this one issue. These erosion control methods differ depending on both the type of erosion and the geographical features of that region. Based on my research I decided to use storm water furrows and ditch lining as my main erosion control methods. I was so interested by the wide range of erosion control methods that I decided to make a list of all the types I could find.

Erosion control methods: buffer strip cellular confinement systems crop rotation conservation tillage contour bunding contour plowing cover crops ditch liners fiber rolls gabions hydroseeding level spreaders mulching perennial crops plasticulture
polyacrylamide

reforestation riparian strip riprap strip farming storm water furrow sand fence vegetated waterway/bioswale terracing wattle/construction

 windbreaks
Date: July 14th 2012 Planning is the key to success! Unfortunately, I had not thought of doing this at the very start of my project and so I have already finished the research phase. However, I will still make organized calendar/plan of what I hope to accomplish (i.e. task) and the corresponding date. Refer to the calendar below:

Task
Start Research Start with Create phase Finish Research Finish Create (At least for the Summer break) Create Rubric (Personal) Draft AOI statement Finalize Rubric Finish Create (Possible Adjustments) Finish Process Journal Start Report Date: July 17th 2012

Date
13th July 17th July 18th July 26th July Before October Break August 25th Before December Holiday 24th December 25th December Prior to 31st December

Today I learned about a dumpy, its basic uses, advantages and parts. My grandfather and I chose a specific area/field where one could observe/detect the early signs of erosion. Once we had chosen a specified field we discussed how one would approach this issue of protecting and preserving the land. Therefore we decided to create a storm water furrow above the field which would lead the majority of the water away as this is a high intensity rainfall area. Thereafter we used the dumpy and ten equally sized poles and inserted them in the ground in specific areas and used a marker that represented a horizontal line. We placed each pole ten steps apart and marked the exact horizontal line which could later be manipulated to give a slope allowing easy passage of water away from the area sensitive/ prone to soil erosion. Why did we choose this specific area? Early signs of soil erosion An already ploughed field planted with a perennial plant that we did not want to harm.

Lessons Learned: Once all the steps had been completed as stipulated previously, I realized that the storm water furrow above the field was slightly further away than originally intended. In order to avoid this problem in the future I must simply learn how to use my equipment beforehand. Date: July 18th 2012 The first thing I did today was research on how steep the slope /gradient must be. I found this information on the following website: http://www.hamiltontn.gov/waterquality/bmps/5.4gt.pdf According to this website the absolute steepest slope one can have for a storm water furrow is 1:4. However, due to the velocity and shear amount of rainfall in this area we decided to make the slope 1:40. In other words, for every 40 steps horizontally the storm water furrow would drop one-step. Now that the slope had been decided I could proceed with the actual making of the storm water furrow. I measured one of my large steps and calculated that it was approximately 80cm long. Based on that was able to make the path of my storm water furrow using the approximate slope of 1:40. I was able to mark the path by walking, to the best of my ability, 12 steps and planting a pole. I would then mark this location. Once this was completed, I used the dumpy to identify the slope at which the furrow was to be built on and moved the pole accordingly. Thereafter I attached a plough to the tractor and simply followed the path previously marked by the poles and was thus able to make a storm water furrow. I hope that this will direct the majority of the rainfall water away from the field sensitive to soil erosion. Date: July 19th 2012 Now that I was familiar with my equipment (i.e. the dumpy) I was able to proceed with my project without further assistants. I was quickly able to mark the path of a secondary storm water furrow on another area of the same field, which was also in an early and easily preventable stage of erosion. I followed the exact same procedure stipulated in my process entry the previous day. Once I had finished making the second storm water furrow, I moved on to another area, which was slowly but surely forming a gulley. I was able to make an effective and sustainable solution which required very little effort by simply planting several poles into the ground in specific areas.

Thereafter, I put logs into the space between these poles and the area vulnerable to soil erosion thus effectively securing the earth and stopping any future sediment/soil which may have been washed away. See the photos below:

Date: July 20th 2012 Today, I spent approximately 1 hour examining my previous two days of work (i.e. the Storm water run offs/furrows) and clearing any excess dirt, which had formed a barrier inside the storm water furrow, which could have caused the water not to follow its rightful path. If I had not done this it may have resulted in a large body of water forming in one area which would ultimately break the storm water furrow. This concentrated mass of water would have then flowed directly into the field containing perennial plants creating erosion and carrying plants and valuable fertile soil away from the site/field: ..

Date: July 23rd 2012 Apart from building the storm water furrow, I also focused on other areas within my farm showing sign of erosion such as the road leading into the farm. I focused all my efforts today collecting and placing concrete objects such as broken bricks and rocks onto the road. Even though this may seem primitive it was actually a very easy and sustainable solution and will act as an example of how even the simplest solutions can have a huge impact (assuming it works!). My goal was not to fill the road and make it level with the surrounding area but simply to prevent the erosion from progressing and ultimately making the road inaccessible. Once I had collected and placed a satisfactory amount of rocks, I used a 4-pound hammer to break the rocks into smaller pieces. Through doing so, I am allowing these smaller pieces to settle into the ground and provide a solid and sustainable base for excess water to flow on without carrying the sediment with it. Once this was completed, I asked my father to use the tractor and ride over the road. This would put an immense amount of force onto the road, which would effectively push the rocks into place. .

Date: July 25th 2012 I have found yet another area which is showing, not small, but extreme signs of soil erosion. The area is, in fact, the basis of a small stream. I found the extent of the erosion astonishing especially considering how small the actual stream was. The speed of the water was extremely diminutive and the amount of water was miniscule. This proved an excellent example of how small but consistent water flow on any surface without a suitable base will slowly carry the sediment away from the sight forming a drill and eventually, as in this circumstance, a gulley. There were so many ways in which I could approach and solve the erosion in this area. I could have used any of the following solutions: 1) ditch liners; 2) vegetated waterway; 3) bioswale; 4) riparian strip; 5) hydro farming. All these methods were practical and sustainable, however, I chose to use the method of ditch lining as it is both effective, low maintenance, easy to make and could be made using the natural resources in that area. I was very easily able to construct a lining by gathering excess foliage around the site, layering the ditch with the foliage and placing logs in specific areas securing both the soil and foliage thus providing a strong and feasible base for the water to flow on without carrying the soil with it. Date: August 10th 2012 There were several aspects within the boundaries of my personal project which I requires my attention; however, the one area I thought required my attention most was my personal rubric for my product. I found it vital for me to create this rubric now so that I will be able to both talk with my advisor and have something concrete to asses my product before the October break. When I had originally thought about my rubric, there were two critical attributes, which my product would have to embody. The first being sustainability and the second affectivity (i.e. does it work?). This concept of sustainability branches of into other areas such as low cost, low maintenance and minimum labor in both its creation and upkeep. Thereafter I used these ideas and translated them into a well-organized and professional rubric. Criteria Low cost Low maintenance Minimum labor Affectivity Scale: 1(poor)-5(Excellent)

Date: August 13th 2012 I went to my supervisor meeting today to discuss my endeavors of the summer holiday. I had thought it to be very productive time for my Personal Project and had accomplished a lot. Once we had finished reflecting on my activities and progress, we moved on to setting goals for our next meeting. We conversed on a practical amount of work, which should be expected by our next meeting on September 11th. I was unclear about what my AOI statement was supposed to include and after some clarification understood that, in brief, my AOI statement is intended to narrow down my focus. The goals for my next meeting are as follows: Create a first draft of my AOI statement. Continue adding to my process notes if deemed necessary.

Date: August 24th 2012 1) AOI Statement (First Draft):

Date: September 11th 2012 Today, I went to another personal project advisory meeting in which we discussed my progress and conversed about possible goals for our next meeting. We talked about my product and process notes as well as discussed when and how I would present my product. Furthermore, we deliberated on the rate at which I was progressing and noted that I should (hopefully) have started my Report before our next meeting on November 16th. The goals we set for November 16th are as follows: Finish Process journal (considering all goes as planned during the October break). Finalize AOI statement & Rubric. Come up with a Global Research Question. Think about a creative and appealing title for my report.

Prior to this meeting on August 13th we had set a goal which was to start and finish the first draft for my AOI statement; unfortunately, due to my absent-mindedness I had forgotten to bring the appropriate materials (i.e. AOI statement). Due to this fact, I was unable to make any corrections. Date: October 17th 2012 I have finally returned to my farm for this brief October break. My aim for today was to analyse whether or not my endeavours of the summer holiday had paid off.

Did my storm water furrows work? From what I saw today, I could not pin point any immediate flaws to the storm water furrows and could thereof conclude that they were, at the very least, sustainable. On the other hand, there was no clear sign of improvement. The state of erosion had stayed precisely as it was three months ago. I was reasonably disappointed by this fact; however, I was still pleased that the storm water furrows were intact and as good as ever. Once I had finished analysing the storm water furrows I went to the stream, which had been previously dominated by severe case of soil erosion. I had employed ditch lining along with more conventional methods in order to prevent it from progressing and hopefully someday, restore the area completely. I am very pleased to announce that it had worked even better than expected and one could already see early signs of vegetation growing within the previously formed gully. I also went to the main road and meticulously reviewed the results of three months of rainfall and no maintenance. Unfortunately, I could already see my efforts being slowly washed away by the constant and non-ending rainfall in this area. However, my efforts had slightly improved the state of the soil erosion and had stopped it from progressing. Overall, I am pleased with the results of my endeavours of the October break. The results of my efforts can prove as a viable example of how even the smallest and simplest erosion control methods can make a difference.