Little trees, big benefits
Reducing the height of forestry trees through genetic modification has advantages, say US researchers.
pH: the secret to unlocking soil’s nutrients
Correcting the soil’s pH and conserving its organic matter are key to improving plant response to fertiliser application. Robyn Joubert reports.
Eco-agriculture: a question of balance
Confronted by declining yields and rising input costs, Limpopo farming giant ZZ2 developed and implemented a system it termed natuurboerdery. Ecologist Erik Holm gave a progress report at the PestBiz Convention in Durban in August. Robyn Joubert was there.
Precision farming – suitable for large or small farms
Increased profits, exact management of land variability and enhanced environmental protection through better use of inputs – these are just some of the benefits of precision farming, according to US agricultural expert Dr Don Tyler. Peter Hittersay reports.
Spotlight on enzootic bovine leukaemia
This relatively unknown infectious retrovirus can go undetected for years. There is no effective treatment or efficient commercial vaccine but good biosecurity and management can play a role in prevention. Dr Jan du Preez explains.
Understanding a true original
Participate in a research project studying South Africa’s unique black-seed grass – and stand a chance of being rewarded for your efforts.
Get transplanting right for seedling survival
The yield potential of commercial forestry hybrids is all for naught if they aren’t transplanted properly. Dr Keith Little of the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) shared his tips with Lloyd Phillips.
Determining lamb paternity
Australian researchers have identified a set of genetic markers
that allows highly accurate parentage testing across all breeds of sheep.
Beating coccidiosis
US researchers have developed a control for this devastating intestinal disease.
The key to herbicide resistance?
US scientists may have found how ‘super weeds’ develop resistance to glyphosate.
Conserve your wetlands!
Farmers are custodians of these vital ecosystems.
Choose canola!
A new survey of crop rotation systems in the battered Cape wheat industry demonstrates the advantages of canola as a financially viable cash crop. Kobus van Tonder reports.
