I am a soil scientist at the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa. My research focuses on soil physical processes, particularly surface sealing and crusting, aggregate stability, infiltration, runoff and erosion. I investigate how conservation agriculture, biochar and other soil amendments affect soil health, water retention and crop productivity in smallholder and commercial farming systems. My ongoing work includes biochar feasibility and field evaluation, conservation agriculture in sorghum systems, soil carbon research through the international C-arouNd project, and soil resilience mapping. I can contribute to experimental design, soil characterisation, rainfall simulation, field monitoring and the evaluation of restoration measures under South African conditions. I am interested in linking field measurements with catchment hydrology to determine where soil restoration can improve water availability and reduce sediment losses, while accounting for effects on downstream users.
Topic 1. Integrated Monitoring and Assessment for Sustainable Water Management
Topic 2. Nature-Based Approaches for Resilient Water Management at Hydrological and Hydrogeological System Scale
We are developing a proposal on targeted soil restoration for improved water retention and sediment control in agricultural catchments. The central question is where restoration measures should be placed, and over what area, to improve catchment water management without unacceptable effects on downstream users or ecosystems. The project would combine soil and landscape assessment, replicated field trials, water and sediment monitoring, and hydrological modelling across contrasting catchments. Potential interventions include vegetated contour strips, residue retention with reduced soil disturbance, and targeted biochar or agrimat applications where appropriate. We would distinguish gains in root-zone water storage from changes in evapotranspiration, downstream flows and groundwater recharge, and assess costs and implementation constraints with farmers and water managers. We seek eligible partners from participating EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries with expertise in catchment hydrology, groundwater assessment, spatial modelling or restoration economics. Access to established monitoring sites would be valuable. ARC could contribute soil process research and field evaluation in South Africa. The concept primarily addresses Topic 2, supported by Topic 1. Sites, work package leadership and coordination are open for joint development.