Agricultural company NWK intends to expand the capacity of its liquid fertiliser plant in Lichtenburg to 30 000t/year. The expansion will commence this month, according to NWK’s director of trade, Dirk Lotter.
The plant started off with a capacity of 10 000t/year in 1985, but increasing demand meant production had to be continuously increased. The plant’s current capacity is 24 000t/year. Lotter says the unfounded prejudices against liquid fertiliser have disappeared over the years and demand is increasing. One of the main reasons for the product’s popularity is that it isn’t labour-intensive. It’s stored in tanks, then pumped into the planter tanks, reducing the need for a large number of labourers.
The Lichtenburg plant is one of the most environmentally friendly fertiliser plants in the country. “It runs on a closed system with no waste products,” said Lotter. “Byproducts and contaminated water are recycled and processed. Precautions have been taken against soil pollution and all surfaces are stabilised at a depth of 30cm and covered with paving.” He said NWK are confident they’ve taken all possible precautions to prevent pollution and contamination. – Annelie Coleman
