Page 20 - Landscape SA 96

IRRIGATION FEATURE

Louis Loubser and his Tree Hog invention, a simple way of conserving
water and improving irrigation efficiency for tree growth.

TREE HOG

The Tree Hog is a simple way of conserving water, minimising evaporation and improving
irrigation efficiencies in order to improve tree growth. Although originally developed for
commercial farming, it can also be used in gardens and on golf courses.

eveloped by Louis Loubser, a fruit stomata tests, thus increasing the amount fertilisers used. “Increasing soil microbes
farmer in the Western Cape, the of photosynthesis time during the day as without using harmful chemicals increases
DTree Hog combines the benefits of well as the amount of sugars being stored soil health,” he explains.
micro and drip irrigation, reducing water for vegetative growth.
usage by up to 70%. It is placed at the base Trials
of young trees, enclosing them, covering When used in orchards, the amount of
their root zones and allowing water to be weed controller and fertiliser used is Dr.Elmi Lotze, Department of Horticultural
applied directly to this area. reduced by up to 30% due to the fact that Science, University of Stellenbosch, has
nutrients are applied directly to the tree assisted Loubser with trials for root and
Using a micro sprinkler, the Tree Hog root zones. growth development. After planting a
irrigates a 500 x 600 mm section around the lemon orchard on his farm, he conducted
base of the tree. This area is not affected by The structure consists of an injection- tests to observe the differences in growth
factors such as wind, evaporation or warm moulded, polypropylene plastic case which and yield. He says that various mulching
soil temperatures. The water is forced is clipped onto the tree. It accommodates structures that are commercially available
downwards and spreads in the same irrigation lines and a micro-spray system, claim water saving for trees, but few
manner as with drip irrigation, creating an with pipes running through ventilation of these claims are substantiated with
‘onion’ form that quickly fills up the root holes to the water-controlled area. It is literature. He quantified the potential
zones with water. The Tree Hog protects designed to last up to eight years. reduction of evapotranspiration (ET) with
the area around the tree, keeping the the Tree Hog as an inorganic mulch in a
soil temperature cool and consistent. This Sound reasoning fully irrigated orchard, comparing it with
assists in the development of young trees areas without the Tree Hog.
and also reduces the need for weeding Loubser says he invented the Tree Hog
around them. because he wanted a product that would Together with Dr Lotze, the following
change the way of thinking about irrigation conclusions were reached:
The structure also builds up a buffer zone and use the least amount of water correctly • tree volume, shoot length and stem
just beneath the soil, reducing the risk of in order to improve growth. Reducing the circumference indicated higher growth;
fine roots being damaged. This ensures amount of water used also saves on pump • the Tree Hog structure reduced water
that the trees are less stressed, and costs and electricity, as well as reducing losses of micro jets and concentrated
Loubser has undertaken pressure leaf and the amount of weed controllers and water in the root zone, resulting in more

18 Landscape SA • Issue 96 2020