Thursday 4 September 2025, 10.30am (SAST)
Venue: Lecture Room
Zoom Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/e8dFRKvTSE-r95oruO8GQQ
Passcode: 345931
by Vuyolwethu Mxo (Research Student, NRF-SAIAB)
Cultivation of Cyperus textilis: Eco-Engineering for Sustainable Coastal Solutions
Coastal landscapes are increasingly modified by artificial structures such as seawalls, driven by urban expansion, tourism, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. Ecological engineering provides sustainable alternatives through nature-based solutions that integrate ecological processes with built infrastructure. Cyperus textilis, traditionally used in South Africa for weaving mats and baskets, presents a promising resource for such applications. When woven into mats and attached to hard coastal surfaces, C. textilis can enhance or partially replace conventional grey infrastructure, promoting biodiversity and sustainable shoreline management. However, large-scale application raises concern about overharvesting, underscoring the importance of sustainable cultivation.
This study examined C. textilis growth over 10 weeks under greenhouse conditions, comparing soil and hydroponic systems at three fertilizer concentrations (0, 50, 100 mg/L). Growth was significantly influenced by cultivation method, nutrient levels, and time. Hydroponics improved culm density and width, while soil produced taller plants. These findings support scalable eco-engineering practices and conservation strategies.
