Crops

When Brad Turner began to farm in the Queenstown region in 2005, many in the area warned him about the size limitations of his 900ha stock farm, Mountain Glen. Undaunted, he began producing vegetables under irrigation that today contributes 89% of his turnover, a feat that recently resulted in his crowning as the 2010 Eastern Cape Toyota / Agri SA Young Farmer.

Studies have found that marigolds increase the populations of nematode-trapping fungi, and other fungi that attack and destroy eelworm eggs.

Last week I gave A broad view of the issues surrounding credit sales on fresh-produce markets.

Moving from 600ha in Underberg to a 2ha tunnel farm in Margate involved a major leap of faith for Lewis and Charmaine Alcock. Today, they have reach peak production with tunnel farming with cucumbers.

Reading about using marigolds to suppress eelworms piqued my curiosity, so when the opportunity arose, I tried it for myself.

The latest agricultural technology can help farmers improve their maize yields. But, as farm manager Lorenz Freese proves, decades of practical experience combined with old-fashioned hands-on management can get the job done just as well.

Farmers exterminate weeds without understanding their role in soil ecology, says Nutritech Solutions CEO Graeme Sait. An expert on high-production sustainable agriculture, he spoke to Sonja Burger about the potential benefits of weeds and alternatives to controlling them with herbicide.

Different vegetables require a "push" at different stages, which is why it is important to understand how nitrogen works in the soil, and its subsequent availability.

The debate about which is more desirable, commission- or wholesale-selling of fresh produce, has bounced around the industry for years.

Many farmers apply nitrogen in the form of ammonia and can’t figure out why the crop doesn’t respond. It’s important to understand that, while plants can take up ammonia, most ammonia will be unavailable because of its position in the soil.

Of all the plant nutrients, nitrogen has the greatest influence on the success of any crop. While a shortage of any element will be a limiting factor, its effect on crop performance will be related to its function, importance and shortage.

Even though sweet POTATOES are a generally low-care crop, some pests can cause a complete wipe-out. You need to do regular inspections and know what to look for.