Maize, which is a monocotyledonous plant, has long been grown successfully in East Griqualand for grain and silage production. However, farmers in the area have been limited in their options for profitable dicotyledonous summer crops that they can grow in rotation with their maize.
This is primarily because East Griqualand, which straddles the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, has milder summers, with fewer heat units, than much of the rest of South Africa’s grain production areas.
However, due to developments in breeding, sunflower is showing promise for this particular purpose, according to Corné van der Westhuizen, Pannar Seed’s marketing agronomist in North West.
“In the north-west regions of South Africa, where sunflower is common, production is usually planned around a farm’s primary maize grain crops. For this reason, the yield and quality of sunflower harvests there are generally below full potential,” says Van der Westhuizen.
Sunflower production planning, he adds, should incorporate field selection, hybrid selection, fertilisation planning linked to a realistic yield target, and selection of an appropriate planting date and plant density.
FIELD SELECTION
The first aspect of field selection is to analyse the land’s production history. This should include the following:
The crops that were grown previously on the land;
The herbicides and other measures that were applied to manage weeds in these crops (with particular note taken of any atrazine-based products);
The weed species that were difficult to control using conventional actions;
Projecting the weed species that could be a threat in the coming summer season, and deciding how these should be managed.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 5 & 12, 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 June 5 & 12, 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.