In the morning, the SALDi PI, PD Dr. J. Baade, is presenting results on land degradation and soil erosion in South Africa on a stakeholdermeeting at the Glen Agricultural College in the Free State Province (Photo: C. Schmullius 2023).
In the afternoon results were presented at another stakeholder meeting with local farmers at Cranberry Cottage in Ladybrand, the Free State Province (Photo: C. Schmullius 2023).
What a nice view. As if nothing had happened… Thanks to SAEON support, this new data logger box had been deployed last December, after the old logger was innocently shredded by a mower in November.SALDi-PI Dr. Baade checking on the sensor responses. (Photo: C.Schmullius)SIX of eight sensors survived! Science continues. (Photo: C.Schmullius)
On sunday we reached the last SALDi study site: the Overberg region in the SW. Compared to e. g. the Sol Plaatje study site around Kimberley, the climate difference is clearly visible. The dry harvested fields here in the winter rainfall region contrast with the green fresh grass in Sol Plaatje.
First, it looks like swarms of migratory birds above the land surface (Photo: C.Schmullius).Then, the swarms look different and no chirping can be heard (Photo: C.Schmullius).At last, the clouds arrive: millions of brown locusts (Photo: C.Schmullius)! Due to large amounts of rain since 2021, the Northern Cape is seeing worst swarms since decades. See e.g.: https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/watch-uncontrollable-locusts-to-stay-until-winter/
First time also, that we met these things: Armoured Bush Cricket. They cannot fly, therefore they developed impressive armors. (Photo: C.Schmullius)
Approximate size: almost my 😦 hand (Photo: C.Schmullius).
Maintanance of the soil moisture site data logger in the Quiver Tree enclosure in Augrabies Falls National Park on March, 18th. Augrabies Falls at 1000 m³/s, a rather spectacular view.
Last night at Kimberley’s Big Hole with full moon (Photo: C. Schmullius).
DAAD-PhD student H.N. Nghiyalwa will now perform her field work for 3 weeks in Mokala National Park and Benfontein Nature Reserve (map: courtesy SANParks). Driving west towards Upington – notice the large Sociable Weaver nest at the right on the electricity pole (photo: C. Schmullius).
Two years of continuous soil moisture (below) and soil temperature (above) records completed without any gaps thanks to the support of SAEON Arid Node in Kimberley.
SALDi Field Trip and Travelblog 