A case in point: Long-term plan for saving water

Our Western Cape farms are building a large dam to gather water during the rainy winter months. In winter, the Hermon area is a catchment area and water can be gathered from streams and rivers that would normally run away without being put to use. Due to be completed within the next 24 months, the dam will be able to hold 1,5 million cubic metres of water, which will supplement the supply from the farms’ existing dam to irrigate the vineyards and citrus crop.

Both farms aim to have all vineyards and citrus under nets within the next 5 years. This will translate to less evaporation of soil moisture during the summer months of December to April, cutting irrigation times and saving a huge amount of water. Nets will also improve the overall quality of the fruit produced at Bonathaba and Zwartfontein.

How our farms save water
  • Soil moisture is determined by probes, monitored by a second set of probes for accuracy.
  • Irrigation is computerised to ensure that watering is on schedule and to avoid over- or under-irrigation.
  • Flow meters are used to keep track of water consumption.
  • Drip irrigation, 90% more effective than micro irrigation, is used. All table grape and citrus on the farms are under drip irrigation. All new blocks are fitted with drip irrigation.
  • The farms plant cover crops every winter to improve soil structure. The cover crop is cut down in the spring and placed at the foot of the trees and vines, which helps with soil moisture and minimises evaporation. The organic material from the cover crop improves the soil structure and fertility, which also helps to minimize fertilizer use.
  • Both farms have orchards under net , which helps limit evaporation out of the soil and reduces irrigation times, thereby saving water.
  • The improvement of soil structure through organic matter enables the soil to have a better water holding ability, helping to shorten irrigation time and saving water.
  • All irrigation pipes and systems are checked for leaks and errors to ensure no water goes waste.
  • Employees and residents of Bonathaba and Zwartfontein are encouraged to save water and use water responsibly. Constant updates and briefings are held about water-saving methods and the use of water in an effective way.