Irrigation Automation (Control Systems) versus Irrigation Scheduling
Irrigation automation and irrigation scheduling are two different concepts that need to be understood and it’s equally important to understand that irrigation automation is not necessarily irrigation scheduling.
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Fruit farmers relieved as Tiger Brands sells canning factory for R1
There was a sense of relief and excitement among fruit farmers and communities surrounding Ashton in the Western Cape as food giant Tiger Brands announced it would sell its canning business to local producers for R1.
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From the ground up: How soil health unlocks greater yields for small-scale farmers
In South Africa, over two million smallholder farming households form the backbone of the nation’s food system. These small-scale farmers, cultivating plots often less than two hectares, are pivotal not only in rural areas but increasingly within urban and peri-urban settings.
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Herbicide-resistant weeds threaten profitable soya bean production
Herbicide-resistant weeds challenge producers and agrochemical companies with a vexing issue that some refer to as a ‘wicked problem’. The ‘wicked’ connotation touches on an issue to which there is not a clear or easy solution. Certainly, everyone struggling with herbicide-resistant weeds will agree that the wicked label is appropriate.
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A game-changer for ginger production
The biggest obstacle that ginger farmers in South Africa face is securing enough land to allow for at least a four-year rest period before replanting the same land to the crop. Limpopo farmer Ika Cronjé spoke to Lindi Botha about how she solved this problem by turning to hydroponic production.
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The role of sugarcane in securing South Africa’s aviation fuel supply
The recent disruptions in domestic air travel highlighted the strategic need for South Africa to establish diversified and sustainable local sources of aviation fuel.
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SA set to ship first consignments of table grapes to the Philippines
South Africa has officially been granted access to export fresh table grapes to the Philippines, according to a recent statement by Minister John Steenhuisen of the Department of Agriculture. The Philippines market officially opened up to South African fresh table grapes on 26 February.
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Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather.
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We must embrace science in South Africa agriculture
SA’s agriculture must constantly monitor global developments and risks that could undermine its competitiveness in the world market as an export-orientated sector. Several environmental, social and political risks remain at the top of farmers’ and agribusiness leaders’ minds. However, one issue that is not always fully appreciated is the contribution of agricultural input providers —…
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Sugarcane trash can produce energy.
Bioenergy – the renewable energy derived from plant and animal waste products – is largely ignored in South Africa. Solar energy, wind power, and green hydrogen attract most investment in renewable energy.
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