Paterson, D.G. (David Garry)Barnard, R.O. (Robin Oxley), 1940-2012-01-032012-01-032011-08-01Paterson, DG & Barnard, RO 2011, 'Beneficial effect of palm geotextiles on inter-rill erosion in South African soils : field trials', South African Journal of Plant and Soil, vol. 28, no. 3, 190-197.0257-1862http://hdl.handle.net/2263/17725Geotextile mats made of woven palm leaves showed potential using a rainfall simulator for their effectiveness in reducing surface runoff and sediment load from a range of South African soils and mine tailings. This paper advances that research by using field plots to evaluate and quantify the palm mats on a larger scale. Plots at four localities (Bergville, Ladybrand, Roodeplaat and Mabula) were used. Results showed that average runoff under the palm mats decreased by between 0% and 70% at Bergville, and by between 0% and 7% at Ladybrand, compared to bare soil. Sediment load under the mats decreased by between 0% and 7% at Ladybrand, and by between 3% and 9% at Roodeplaat, for three different combinations of slope, mat density and mat mesh size. At Roodeplaat, splash erosion decreased by between 62% and 6%, while at Ladybrand and Mabula, re-vegetation increased by between 3% and 0%. Organic carbon content and topsoil surface levels also increased under the mats. Organic, bio-degradable, easy to manufacture geotextiles, such as palm leaf mats, show much potential, especially in combining employment opportunities with enhanced environmental protection in many susceptible areas of South Africa.enSouth African Society of Crop Production/ Soil Science Society of South Africa/ Southern African Weed Science Society/ Southern African Society for Horticultural SciencesInter-rill erodibilitySoil and water conservationPalm leaf matsRunoff -- South AfricaConservation of natural resources -- Research -- South AfricaGeotextiles -- South AfricaSoil erosion -- South AfricaRainfall simulators -- South AfricaArticle