FAST FACTS
- Cultivar choice is an important production decision and can contribute to reducing risk and optimising yield.
- A producer should use good-quality seed and maintain appropriate seeding densities, as the plant population may significantly affect competition among plants as well as weeds.
- Seeding densities for wheat may vary from 15kg/ ha to 35kg/ha under dryland conditions, and 65kg/ha to 200kg/ha under irrigation.
Knowledge is crucial to success in crop production, and seldom more so than for wheat in South Africa, where growing conditions vary and much of the country’s supply is imported. Producers need to base short- and long-term planning on the latest market and industry information so they can adapt when required to increase profit per hectare.
To succeed, a farmer has to understand his or her specific production area, take note of long-term climate conditions, and keep up with the latest cultivars.
CHOOSING CULTIVARS
Cultivar choice is a key production decision and can contribute to reducing risk and optimising yield. The selection of a cultivar is principally an economic decision, where the producer must find a balance between risk and yield potential. The yield potential of the wheat, in combination with the production area, climate and soil type, is as important as the management of input and production costs.
Cultivars differ in characteristics such as area adaptability, yield potential and stability, agronomic characteristics, as well as tolerance of diseases, pests and aluminium toxicity. New varieties are released frequently, and it is important to understand their characteristics and how they fit into the farm’s cropping system.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 10, 2021-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 September 10, 2021-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
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.