Farming for Tomorrow

Prof Gert Venter explains the benefits and disadvantages of semi-hydroponic structures.

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.

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 is done.

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.

Seawater greenhouses may be the answer to the world’s water scarcity problem, says Prof Gert Venter.

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, hydroponic production can play an important role in reducing agricultural water usage, says Prof Gert Venter.

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, and TAU SA general manager, Bennie van Zyl, share their farmers unions’ views on the subject with Lloyd Phillips.

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, value-adding and marketing your products, writes Prof Gert Venter.

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.

In the second instalment of our series on alternative crop production methods, international hydroponics consultant, Prof Gert Venter, highlights common mistakes made by farmers.

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 farmers.

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 and energy constraints and a shortage of available agricultural land.