Environment and Agroecosystems

Lavender is a plant which can tolerate moderate frost and drought.  Since lavender is mostly originated from the Mediterranean, it is quite satisfied in South Africa.  All lavender varieties are sensitive to high humidity levels and their oil quality decreases if the temperatures get too high. Lavenders produces very well with an annual rainfall from around 300 to 1400 mm per year (Agriculture, 2009). Since the average rainfall in South Africa is around 457.6, it is a very favourable climate for Lavender (Group, 2016) .

To develop a healthy lavender plant, it should be irrigated for the first two years, until it has been established. If rainfall is a critical point in a certain region, then irrigation is also necessary after the first two years. Further, drip irrigation should be applied to support weed control.

As mentioned before, all lavender varieties are sensitive to high humidity levels but also the altitude where lavender grows is important. The plants can flower better in cooler conditions and the oil yield will increase with the altitude.  (Agriculture, 2009)

When Lavender is grown for his oil, it is grown as a monoculture to have the best external control over the plant. It is usually planted in rows with are 1,2 to 2,0 m wide and with 30 to 60cm between the plants. 

Figure 1 Lavender Rows (WAll, 2017)

If lavender is planted this way, it will eventually produce around 8000 to 28000 plants per hectare. It can be harvested after the second year but they can survive around 10 to 15 years or even longer.

On many farms, the use of agrochemicals is not needed and plant pruning’s are often composted and put back into the soil to enhance soil fertility. Also, the fact that lavender does not have to be irrigated heavily is positive for our environment. To maintain healthy soil after harvest, crop rotation should take place. In general, social responsibility, traceability and sustainability are important in any agribusiness.

To reduce CO₂ losses, it is advisable to choose management options which promote soil respiration, like reduced tillage or no-tillage (Paustian, 2000).

References

Agriculture, F. a. (2009, November). Lavender production. Retrieved from NDA: http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/brochures/essoilslavender.pdf

Group, T. W. (2016). Average Monthly Rainfall for Suth Africa from 1991-2015. Retrieved from Climate Change Knowledge Portal: http://sdwebx.worldbank.org/climateportal/index.cfm?page=country_historical_climate&ThisCCode=ZAF

Paustian, K. (2000). Management options for reducing CO2 emissions from agricultural soils. Retrieved from Springer: http://www.youwall.com/index.php?ver=NDQwNQ==

WAll, Y. (2017). Purple Flower Field Wallpaper. Retrieved from You Wall: http://www.youwall.com/index.php?ver=NDQwNQ==