Abstract:
This study investigated the impacts of cultivation on water and soil quality in the lower
uMfolozi floodplain system in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. We did this by assessing
seasonal variations in purposefully selected water and soil properties in these two land-use systems.
The observed values were statistically analysed by performing Student’s paired t-tests to determine
seasonal trends in these variables. Results revealed significant seasonal differences in chloride
and sodium concentrations and electrical conductivity (EC) and the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR)
with cultivated sites exhibiting higher values. Most of the analyzed chemical parameters were
within acceptable limits specified by the South African agricultural-water-quality (SAWQ) water
quality guidelines for irrigation except for sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), chloride, sodium and
EC. EC, pH and nitrate content which were higher than the specified SAWQ limits in cultivated
sites. Quantities of glyphosate, ametryn and imidacloprid could not be measured because they
were below detectable limits. The study concludes that most water quality parameters met SAWQ’s
standards. These results argue for concerted efforts to systematically monitor water and soil quality
characteristics in this environment to enhance sustainability by providing timely information for
management purposes.
