Breaking down the principles of regenerative farming
Jean Hugo, a post-graduate student at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Leon Hugo, author on environmental matters and former professor of geography at the University of Pretoria, write about...
Phalaenopsis orchids: tips to help them survive and thrive
Orchid expert Jacques Botha spoke to Linda Piegl about how to nurture the Phalaenopsis orchid, which requires precise watering and needs to be kept in a temperature-controlled environment.
What farmers need to know about Oilseeds in crop
Oilseeds play a dual role on a crop farm, providing a valuable product and a mechanism for enhancing soil health and reducing input costs. Lindi Botha reports on the key...
Bicarbonates: the silent crop killer
Irrigation water high in bicarbonates can wreak havoc on crops, causing soil compaction, blocking plants’ nutrient uptake and eventually killing them. Identifying and treating bicarbonates isn’t easy, but there are...
Best practices for grain farmers
Maize and wheat are the two most important staple foods in South Africa. With stable consumer demand of these grains and the continuous development of production techniques, Lindi Botha reports...
How irrigation can help small-scale farmers
Irrigation has resulted in significant crop yield improvement across the globe. In some regions, irrigation is essential for successful crop production; however, it remains out of reach for many small-scale...
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop...
Biological crop protection: it’s tricky but possible
Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm’s uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.
Taking the guesswork out of crop production
Balancing a short- and a long-term payoff in crop farming requires careful consideration of inputs. Johann Pistorius, who farms maize and soya bean in the Nigel area, spoke to Lindi...
The importance of soil health in sustainable agriculture
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the role of soil health in enhancing agricultural resilience cannot be overstated. Dr Hendrik Smith, conservation agriculture facilitator at ASSET Research,...
Understand soil and plant interactions for improved crop efficiency
People often perceive soil as a vast reservoir containing water, nutrients, microbes, and organic matter, assuming plants will simply draw upon these resources as required.
New weapons in the fight against grapevine leafroll disease
Research, genetic selection, machine learning and drones are being investigated as possible means to strengthen the fight against grapevine leafroll disease. Glenneis Kriel spoke to the experts.
Off-season activities: importance of planning and management
Off-season farming activities are essential for a successful harvest, says Magda du Toit. She spoke to experts about the importance of soil management, pest control and other actions that producers...
The ins and outs of irrigation: a basic guide for crop farmers
Climate change intensifies and water resources dwindle, innovative irrigation techniques and sustainable water management become increasingly vital. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to industry experts about the importance of irrigation for crop...
Everything you need to know about fungicides
Fungicides are indispensable tools in disease management, offering protection against fungal pathogens and ensuring the health and productivity of crops and plants. In this guide, Zunel van Eeden aims to...
Solutions to common cannabis cultivation challenges
Cultivators can improve output, quality and profitability while supporting the sustainability and prosperity of the cannabis industry by implementing best practices in pest management, environmental control, nutrition management, genetic selection,...
Fix soil health for regenerative agriculture to succeed
Regenerative farming relies on restoring soil to its optimum health so it can sustain food crops without the use of synthetic inputs. But does that mean fertilisers have no place...
Mastering hemp cultivation: best practices for growers
Farmers can position themselves for success in the booming hemp market by remaining informed, implementing innovative techniques, and tapping into the expertise of specialists, writes Thomas Walker.
Cynthia Sekgobela shares advice for profitable small-scale farming
For Cynthia Sekgobela, retirement in 2016 brought a bold new beginning. After 21 years as an accountant and tax consultant, she swapped her ledgers for her true passion in farming...
Choosing the right filtration method for your irrigation system
When it comes to protecting your irrigation system, few things are more important than effective filtration. The correct choice of filtration method to protect your system against blockages is not...
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