Edible, biodegradable bale wrap a world-first
This innovative product could improve animal health and benefit the environment.
New soil analysis kit could improve production
Farmers can use the Solvita test’s rapid testing technology to analyse biological soil health on their farms to determine whether their land can adequately support sustainable and profitable production. Wilma den Hartigh finds out how the technology works and why biological soil health should be a greater priority.
How to achieve profitable hydroponic production
Greenhouse farming can become expensive if improvements are not made continually to achieve greater production efficiency. Hydroponic consultant, Herbert Stolker, highlights three strategies to accomplish this.
Retractable roofs for increased production and profitability
Greenhouse crop farmers are increasingly making use of retractable roof technology to create optimal growing conditions, and to reduce exposure to extreme climates.
Holistic Management Literature Review: Part 1
[Examining the global opinions] A research group led by Dr Heidi Hawkins, research director at Conservation South Africa, conducted a study into the differing views on holistic planned grazing across the globe.
Don’t cut corners with packaging
The use of quality packaging safeguards the time and effort a grower has put into producing top quality fruit. Dawid Groenewald of Citrus Research International (CRI) spoke about the latest packaging developments and trends at a recent CRI workshop in Stellenbosch.
Increased efficiency with picking platforms
Two-a-Day’s Dr Mias Pretorius and Daan Brink described to Glenneis Kriel how picking platforms are improving the company’s production.
Smart farming solutions
More than 100 products were presented at the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture. Denene Erasmus looks at some of the inventions that can improve efficiency on smaller farms.
Smallholder farmers should welcome wild bees
According to a global study, smallholder farmers who attract more wild bees and other pollinators to their land could harvest up to 24% more crops. In contrast, commercial farmers remain reliant on managed beehives. Ecological entomologist Dr Ruan Veldtman of the SA National Biodiversity Institute and Stellenbosch University contributed to the research.
Livestock can survive a drought, learn how
The drought continues to have a major effect on livestock production. Special management practices are needed for herd management to survive a drought.
Drones can take precision farming to the next level
Using GPS monitoring in conjunction with aerial technology allows farmers to increase farming efficiency. The results, however, are highly dependent on interpretation of the data and the type of technology used, says Mico Stander of Agrimotion.
Guidelines on buying good-quality nursery trees
The establishment of a new orchard is one of the largest capital investments a fruit farmer can make. Prof Karen Theron from the Department of Horticultural Science at Stellenbosch University provides insights and advice into purchasing healthy nursery material.
