Is South Africa doing enough to avert a water crisis?
As South Africa battles the third wave of Covid-19 vaccinations and amidst the chaos, destruction and looting that has taken place in parts of South Africa in recent weeks it’s easy to forget another looming catastrophe: a water crisis with potentially devastating consequences.
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Precision farming pays off for KZN potato producer
Growing and marketing potatoes for maximum profit can be complex, as there is a narrow window for obtaining the highest prices. To ensure his business gets its timing right, GoldenGrow owner Graeme Jarvie employs a ‘less is more’ approach, where the business stays well within its capabilities and so runs smoothly.
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How to balance draining fields with holding onto nitrogen
Purdue University researchers conducted a three-decade-long experiment to find out how different farming practices and drainage strategies affect crop growth and nitrogen loss from fields.
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Research and development are key to resilient food systems in Africa
What will it take to build sustainable, resilient food systems in African countries?
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Experts point ways to better crops and farmer incomes
The first One Earth Root and Soil Health Forum which took place on 1 March 2021 saw over 800 people in attendance to discuss how to unlock the potential of better soil and root health to help transform food systems.
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Climate-proof, no-till crop production in the maize triangle
Cocky Mokoka has been farming since 2007, but only started incorporating conservation agriculture principles to improve his soil in 2015. He spoke to Pieter Dempsey about the practices he implements on his 740ha farm.
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Rooibos now SA’s very own ‘champagne’ – but there’s a lot more brewing
The term Rooibos has now been included on the European Union’s register of iconic geographic indicators.
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SA pome fruit sector set for record exports in 2021
South Africa’s apple and pear production is set for a record export crop this season. Apple exports are expected to rise by 5% year-on-year to 38,4 million 12.5kg equivalent cartons.
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New pumpkin variety set to make inroads into high-end market
The demand for convenient meals and easy-to-prepare vegetables is opening up marketing opportunities for the Hokkaido pumpkin, a newcomer to South Africa. Small, and with an edible peel, the variety holds much promise for expanding cucurbit cultivation. Lindi Botha spoke to Francois Steyn about farming the Hokkaido.
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Technological improvements in precision crop irrigation
With the threat of water scarcity and the challenge of feeding a growing population, it is essential that crop irrigation is optimised.
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