The origins of hydroponic farming
While hydroponic farming has been around since the Middle Ages, many developments over the years have made it far more efficient and affordable. Prof Gert Venter explains.
Light and its effects on plant growth
The most important variable affecting plant growth is light exposure, and it is therefore important to measure the amount of light your plants receive. Prof Gert Venter explains how this...
Simple and effective ways to beat the heat and the frost
Prof Gert Venter discusses an affordable, easy-to-implement measure to protect a crop from extreme weather. No fuel or electricity is used, resulting in considerable cost savings.
The use of seawater greenhouses in hydroponics
Seawater greenhouses may be the answer to the world’s water scarcity problem, says Prof Gert Venter.
Hydroponic water requirements
About 70% of the earth is covered with surface water, but 97% of this is seawater. With only 3% consisting of freshwater, and less than 1% available to living organisms,...
Can mining and agriculture co-exist?
The spate of applications to explore large areas of South Africa for natural resources to mine is of increasing concern to the agricultural sector. Agri SA executive director, Omri van Zyl,...
Hydroponics: planning your project
The saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” is certainly applicable to intensive farming systems such as hydroponics and aeroponics. Planning should encompass climate control, handling, processing,...
Hydroponics: know your plants’ growth requirements
In this instalment of our series on alternative crop production methods, international hydroponics consultant, Prof Gert Venter, outlines the various elements that plants need for optimal growth.
Hydroponics: basic mistakes and how to avoid them
In the second instalment of our series on alternative crop production methods, international hydroponics consultant, Prof Gert Venter, highlights common mistakes made by farmers.
Beneficial insects can help farmers control pests
Crop farmers often unknowingly lump all insects into the ‘destructive’ category. However, according to Dr Annemie Erasmus of the Agricultural Research Council’s Grain Crops Institute, many are beneficial to crop...
Is hydroponics the answer to global food challenges?
In the first of a series on alternative crop production methods, international hydroponics consultant, Prof Gert Venter, explores hydroponics as a viable solution to global food security challenges, including water...
Ultrasonic sound used in drip irrigation line cleaning
An ultrasound cleaning technology for drip irrigation systems, produced by SA inventor Leon Lingnau and marketed as Greendrum, was proven to be highly effective during recent trials by the Agricultural...
A naturally potent biocide
Eco-Lyte is an environmentally-friendly disinfectant that eliminates pathogens. Gerhard Uys spoke to Rowan McDonald, chief technical officer at ECA Technologies Africa, about the new technology.
New rootstock evaluation protocol
The fruit industry is devising a new rootstock evaluation system to improve its competitiveness.
Super-efficient irrigation: tips for crop farmers
To ensure agricultural sustainability in South Africa, it is crucial that more efficient irrigation systems be implemented. Agricultural resource manager, Felicity Mitchell, explains how this can be achieved.
SA scientists lend a hand to control Australian wheat pest
The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), a pest well known to South African farmers, recently surfaced in Australia, and SA scientists are assisting with the development of RWA-resistant cultivars.
Study on origin of grassy savannas
The loss of Africa’s browsing antelope may threaten the future of savannas, a new study has found.
New low-chill apple varieties
The new Afri apple varieties could potentially extend the local season by two months.
The practicalities of effective greenhouse hygiene
The intensive but highly productive practice of growing crops in greenhouse environments lends itself to significant pest and disease threats. Paddy de Vries of Intense Agri Hydro provides valuable insights...
Computer vision technology set to improve crop health
The latest crop monitoring technology developed in Israel could soon be available in South Africa. Wilma den Hartigh spoke to Daniel Koppel of Prospera about its applications.
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