Disa versicolor where soil erosion is low

Disa versicolor pushes up a many-flowered cylindrical stalk annually, matching or exceeding the surrounding grassland. Several different grass species are notable in the flourishing summer veld of the photo. Conservation and utilisation of the soil are much better served by a natural, highly biodiverse grassland as seen here, compared to a monoculture crop that leaves the soil bare seasonally.

Grass cover reduces soil erosion by wind and water dramatically. It also sequestrates a useful amount of carbon in the ground, contributing to fighting global warming. Whoever cares for the land and is entrusted with decisions over even a small part of it, sees to a healthy vegetation covering on the land where possible. Wind erosion is much worse on land receiving low rainfall, more so from heavy traffic of feet or wheels. Water erosion happens on all low rainfall land, but reduces to negligible levels in high rainfall areas, provided that the good vegetation covering is maintained.

The higher the rainfall, the bigger the difference made by a healthy grass covering. Put differently, more rain water continues to increase the eroding effect on bare land (Manning, 2009; Van Oudtshoorn, 1991; iNaturalist; iSpot).