Conservation agriculture

Healthy soil has certain biological, chemical and physical components that interact and will influence one another, says Dr Pieter Swanepoel, a soil quality, plant and pasture scientist at the Western Cape department of agriculture.

The verdict is out – humic acids can boost yield and save on costs.

The Warburgia project works towards conserving the endangered pepperbark while accommodating cultural traditions and the needs of communities bordering the Kruger National Park. Project leader, Michele Hofmeyr, talks to Nan Smith.

Biological farming can help to increase profit, but it’s crucial to plan carefully, start small and persist despite initial failure.

Kruger National Park conservation manager Dr Freek Venter explains the gradual but fundamental shift in the management of the park as it embraces biodiversity.

Drip fertigation might be ideal for infertile desert sands, but it’s not suited to biological farming.

Dodder is a major threat to Sericea, and demands rigorous control. Neglecting the problem can lead to a drastic reduction in forage yield.

This claimed ‘miracle grass’ is out of fashion. But it shouldn’t be, as it has several obvious advantages.

The answer depends on how you manage your animals – and whether you buy a special kind of grazer.

Biological agro-forestry has the potential to treble carrying capacity – and boost profits.

Farming timber the biological way and adding cattle will boost your profit.

The Nuwejaars Wetland Special Management Area (SMA) is an innovative, farmer-driven solution to balancing commercial farming with conservation. Denene Erasmus visited farmers in the SMA to learn more about this groundbreaking initiative.