
South African engineers are trying to solve the global water crisis
Smartphones now outnumber people with access to clean water in their homes. This bizarre factoid shows that human quality of life is no longer limited by our technological capabilities but rather by our access to, and efficient use of, finite and depleting resources.
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Choose the right hydroponics system for your operation
There are a number of farming systems available to producers that involve the growing of plants in water. Magda du Toit looks at the fundamentals of these methods, as well as their advantages and drawbacks.
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Truffles: black gold for South African farmers
Growing black winter truffles can be a highly lucrative undertaking for farmers looking to diversify their enterprises. Volker and Paul Miros, who run Woodford Truffles SA, spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the expert knowledge and capital required to do so.
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Water scarcity ahead for 80% of croplands, but farming methods can help
According to a new study published April 25, 2022, in the peer-reviewed AGU journal Earth’s Future, agricultural water will become scarce in over 80% of the world’s croplands.
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Bumper fruit exports expected this year, says W Cape govt
The Western Cape – which accounts for more than half of South Africa’s agricultural exports – looks set for a bumper season of fruit exports.
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New cultivars could push up sunflower profits
In some production regions of the country, sunflower is considered a last-resort crop. However, its ability to produce relatively consistent yields under adverse weather conditions makes it an attractive option for farmers in dryland areas. Magda du Toit reports on how the negative view of sunflower can and should be changed.
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South Africa has had lots of rain and most dams are full, but water crisis threat persists
South Africa has had lots of rain and most dams are full, but water crisis threat persists
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Water in 2030
Many areas of the world that are already experiencing a shortage of water resources will see their water issues worsen, causing hardships for millions. Here are 18 projections that attempt to predict the future of the world’s water supply.
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A successful switch from grain to tea tree oil
On a quest to diversify away from the crops traditionally cultivated in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, André de Waal shifted to the production of essential oils. By growing, distilling and marketing these products, he has gained greater control over the value chain, ensuring his business is both viable and sustainable.
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China plans to feed 80 million people with ‘seawater rice’
Scientists in China developed new salt-tolerant rice strains by over-expressing a gene from selected wild rice that’s more resistant to saline and alkali.
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