A quick look at ‘irrigation systems’ on the Internet reveals a bewildering array of options. They include the older technologies, the latest ones, and others under development that promise to be even more advanced than their predecessors or competitors.
Chris Barnard, a farmer and part-time agronomist at irrigation technologies manufacturing company Agriplas, cautions that before an undercover cropping operation invests in a new irrigation system or upgrades its existing system, its owners should carefully consider what the business hopes to achieve.
“With the focus being on the latest technologies for cultivating undercover crops, the basic principles for ensuring the long-term sustainability of an undercover operation are often forgotten. Hands-on management should never be substituted by automated equipment.”
THE GROWING MEDIUM
Barnard says that efforts to maximise water-use efficiency will fail from the start if the irrigation system is not appropriate for the growing medium or substrate, such as peat moss, bark or perlite. This is especially so given that undercover crop production is highly intensive and makes use of small plant containers or bags.
Each container and its growing medium has limited water-holding capacity; generally, the smaller the container, the more often the water in the medium has to be replenished. To prevent over- or under-irrigation, the frequency and volume of each irrigation must be adjusted for the crop type, the size of the containers, and the characteristics of the growing medium.
“Irrigation water must be applied in such a way as to create a balance between the water and oxygen in the substrate. This will ensure that the plant’s oxygen-absorbing and feeder roots can develop in specific areas within the substrate,” says Barnard.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 28, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 28, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.