Land degradation monitoring system successfully established in South Africa

For around six years, an international research team led by the University of Jena has been working on using earth observation data and terrain measurements to set up an automated monitoring system with which land degradation in South Africa can be precisely identified and monitored over the long term. An important component of this is the permanent observation stations for local soil moisture and temperature measurements, which support the validation of the earth observation data.

On 12 March 2025, Prof. Dr Christiane Schmullius and PD Dr Jussi Baade from the Institute of Geography at the University of Jena handed over the last observation station to the South African National Parks (SANParks). The devices, which have been measuring continuously for six years, are now part of the research infrastructure in Augrabies Falls and Kruger National Park. As in-situ measurement data, the time series contribute to a better understanding and modelling of the complex effects of climate change on the water balance and vegetation. This is particularly important in climatically exposed South Africa.

South Africa is severely affected by land degradation. Degradation describes the deterioration of soil productivity, the reduction of protective vegetation and even the destruction of entire landscapes through erosion. The negative consequences are manifold: for example, land degradation leads to the loss of areas that can be used for agriculture and forestry, damage to ecosystem functions and increasing siltation of rivers.