Soil so rich in nutrients that it feeds a crop without the need for additional inputs is any farmer’s dream. The state of South Africa’s soils after years of cultivation and chemicals has, however, rendered farms unable to produce anything without significant help from external, artificial sources.
No-till cultivation seeks to build soil health by increasing organic matter, boosting moisture retention and establishing enough earthworms to work the soil back to health. But as Hendrik Odendaal, a diversified crop and livestock farmer in Standerton, Mpumalanga, found, no-till can be problematic if the whole soil biome is not considered.
“The main driver for no-till is to build up carbon in the soil, thereby reducing erosion and input costs,” says Odendaal.
“Initially, the thinking was that by keeping crop residue on the land, and working it into the soil, the organic matter would increase. But this is not entirely the case. You can actually go backwards, and have more compaction and lower organic content, if you don’t manage the soil correctly.”
Odendaal converted the family farm’s crop division to no-till in 2007. He added significant amounts of compost made on the farm, planted cover crops and allowed cattle to graze the crop residue. But he was not seeing the results he wanted.
The organic content in the soil had increased, but he still required the same amount of fertiliser as before switching to no-till. Soya bean stands in particular fields were irregular, and pest and disease pressure remained unchanged, necessitating the standard application of crop protection chemicals.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.