Local Natural Resources

Resources

A resource is a natural or man-made element, which can be utilised to meet human needs.

Renewable resources: Renewable resources originate from sources that are constantly renewed – the wind keeps blowing, the sun keeps shining and the earth keeps heating the ground.

Non-renewable resources: Non-renewable resources are limited and thus exhaustible. Examples include fossil fuels, water, and soil.

Natural Resources - Natural resources are materials that occur naturally and are used by humans. Examples include water, air, land, forests, fish and wildlife, topsoil and minerals. Natural resources that are alive, such as plants, are called biotic resources. Natural resources that are not alive are abiotic resources and include water.

Climate

Climate is the summary of weather conditions experienced in an area over a long period of time. Weather is the climatic conditions experienced at a particular time, such as over a day or week. The data includes precipitation (rainfall, hail, and snow), temperatures, wind, daylight hours and humidity.

For example, climate statistics may indicate that the average winter daytime temperature for an area is 12ºC but today the temperature is 22ºC and yesterday it may have been 2ºC.

The layout and activities of a farm will be influenced by regional climatic conditions and microclimatic conditions found in the area. In South Africa, summer rainfall areas include the Northern, South and Western Cape, the East coast and the Highveld.

The South African west coast and interior experiences dry conditions due to the mainly cold Benguela ocean current running South/North in the Atlantic Ocean.

The South and South-Eastern coastlines experience increasingly wetter conditions towards the North East due to the warm Agulhas Ocean current. Long and high mountain ranges running parallel with the coastline result in inland rain shadows and drier conditions.

Rainfall

It is important to know when it rains and how much it rains in the area. This would tell you how much water is available through the area’s water cycle. It is also important to know what the flood cycles are. Farms are normally (where possible) situated along rivers due to the need for water and fertile arable land found along the banks and flood plains.

Surveyors can indicate the levels to which rivers have risen in the past. Statistics compiled by using data collected over many years have shown that there is a flood pattern. The data will also show how high the rivers have risen and how often.

It is advisable for farmers to take notice of flood warnings determined by these indicators. Structures should be built above the 50-year year flood lines.

Temperature

It is important to consider the average winter and summer temperatures as it can affect the germination requirements of seeds as well as (especially in cold areas) the impact on livestock.

Daylight Hours

Certain species of crops require a certain number of daylight hours before germinating.

Wind

If the area experiences severe winds, one will have to make decisions regarding windbreaks.