Groundwater conservation: a long-term investment
Groundwater resource conservation should be the most important aspect of any irrigation farming concern in South Africa, say geohydrology consultant JL van Vuuren and drilling contractor Marnus Nel. A lack...
Factors that influence the adoption of smart agriculture in SA
Smart technology is a hot topic these days – and notably so in agriculture, where there are many uses, from drones and remote water monitoring, to soil analysis, animal tracking,...
Termites and grazers: a complex, subtle relationship
After a number of farmers near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape expressed concern about increasing termite activity, James Hagan, an MSc student in ecology, conducted a study on the effects...
Do you know how healthy your ‘soil skin’ is?
The crucial link between soil health and optimal, sustainable crop yield is well established. Dr Neil Miles, a soil scientist with the South African Sugarcane Research Institute, explores this subject,...
Correct feeding can slash dairy cows’ methane emissions by 30%
Josef van Wyngaard, a doctoral student at the University of Pretoria, has found that South African dairy cattle emit less methane than initially thought, and there is room for significant...
French innovation aims to reduce water usage in farming
A new product developed in France has been specifically formulated to support plant growth and development under dry conditions. Marketed in South Africa as Polyter, the innovation has shown promising...
Technology to turn you into a truly smart farmer
Production data is invaluable for enhancing farm management and improving profitability. However, collecting and analysing this information efficiently can be daunting. Western Cape farmer Wolfgang von Loeper explains why this...
Waste management: How Spier Estate turns trash into cash
Worldwide, waste generation is fast overtaking landfill availability. Heidi Newton-King, sustainability and human resources director at Spier Wine Estate, recently shared how the estate has succeeded in reducing its proportion...
The benefits of planned and measured irrigation
Measuring soil moisture content and water extraction has an obvious advantage: more efficient water use. In addition, it creates an optimal environment in which plants can grow and utilise fertilisers...
Commercial GM crops: 20 years of success
In the two decades since their introduction, commercially produced genetically modified (GM)crops have revolutionised global agriculture. Love them or hate them, they are here to stay. Dr Hennie Groenewald, executive...
Smallholder co-operatives combatting food waste
SA’s fresh produce waste crisis can be addressed through smallholder co-operatives, says Dr Justy Range, business development manager, Freshmark Systems
Farming in the age of technology
Technology and education are improving the lives of even small-scale growers, says Dr Justy Range, business development manager, Freshmark Systems.
Affordable tests to optimise feed conversion
With the cost of feed continually rising, more and more SA beef producers have taken advantage of the growth tests offered by the Agricultural Research Council’s bull testing centres. ARC...
Affordable solar geysers for farm workers
With 40% to 60% of all household energy-use spent on water heating, conventional geysers are unaffordable for many South Africans.
Virtual Irrigation Academy: teaching water management online
A website and visualised data make up the Virtual Irrigation Academy, which teaches farmers to develop effective irrigation infrastructure through soil monitoring. Siyanda Sishuba reports.
Magnetic field tech in new spraying system decreases costs
Reducing spray drift while ensuring effective leaf coverage is a challenge for crop farmers.
Using bats and birds to control macadamia crop pests
Biological pest control could speed up the farm-to-fork process and save the macadamia industry millions of rands, according to the initial results of an ongoing research project. The researchers have...
4 useful phone apps and technology for herd management
The latest herd management apps and associated technology can make a livestock farmer’s life considerably easier. Amongst other features, these digital marvels monitor cow health, reduce paperwork, provide accurate record-keeping,...
Research findings on pollination of Hass avocados
At the 2017 SA Avocado Growers’ Association research symposium, University of Pretoria researcher, Mart-Mari Nieuwenhuizen, presented new findings on the best pollinisers for Hass avocados. She also explored the effectiveness...
Understanding semi – hydroponic systems
Prof Gert Venter explains the benefits and disadvantages of semi-hydroponic structures.
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