Trees, Water and Perspective

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Abstract
Data on the effects of forests on water supplies under South African conditions are meagre but with local and overseas evidence the detrimental effects in the Natal uplands are deduced. The deductions are not highly reliable but in the greater part of the forestry zone there is only a small range within which afforestation can affect runoff. Some popular misconceptions about the effects of forests are dispelled. The effect of tree-planting on regional water supplies is discussed. It is concluded that afforestation can cause a marked decrease in local runoff. For the scale of future afforestation now considered likely, this effect, seen in relation to the growth of demand for water, is, however, so small that changes in dryland land management to increase runoff are not justified. Funds and energy would be better expended in securing additional water supplies from other sources which must, in any case, be found when existing supplies are no longer adequate.

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