The primary source of food for us is vegetation. We are predominantly vegetarians. In order to sustain our increased numbers, we need abundant crop resources. The animals we consume are mostly herbivores as well.
Heat, water and carbon dioxide are what plants need in order to exist. There can be too little or too much of all of them, but plant life exists over a wide range of each of them. The basic equation on which all life on Earth depends is: carbon dioxide + water > glucose + oxygen in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll. This reaction takes place in plant cells. The glucose is used by the plants and oxygen is used by humans and animals.
CARBON DIOXIDE AND GROWTH
It has been shown by photos taken from space that there has been greening of the Earth’s surface since the start of the space age. Therefore, the conditions on Earth currently seem good and getting better for growth of vegetation.
If the Industrial Revolution has had any effect at all on the Earth’s climate then it is one to celebrate and rejoice.
Research indicates that carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere continues to rise. It is currently at about 440ppm (parts per million carbon dioxide). To put this in proportion, every adult human breathes out about 45 000ppm with every exhalation. Submarines allow up to 6 000ppm carbon dioxide in their atmosphere before considering it too dangerous.
It has been shown by horticulturalists growing produce in glasshouses with an atmosphere of 600ppm to 800ppm that crop yields can be increased in comparison to crops grown in normal atmospheric conditions, currently about 440ppm. Therefore, there is still substantial opportunity for increased yield of crops should the parts per million continue to increase. The concentration in 1850 has been estimated at about 235ppm.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
