FAST FACTS
The actions of dung beetles can help to increase the organic matter content of the soil, and they can aid in the distribution of plant seeds contained in the dung.
Some farming practices can actively damage beetles or disrupt their activity, but farmers can adapt their practices to protect these insects.
It is estimated that South Africa is home to almost 800 species of dung beetle, varying in both size and colour. There are approximately 2 000 species of dung beetle in Africa and 5 000 in the world.
Dung beetles perform a vital ecological function by clearing away the fresh droppings of large animals and recycling important nutrients such as phosphate and nitrogen, as well as carbon, back into the soil.
These actions help to increase the organic matter content of the soil, and aerate and mix the soil through burrowing. This improves nutrient availability and the soil’s water-holding capacity. Dung beetles also aid in the distribution of plant seeds contained in the dung and help keep pest and parasite populations under control.
The larvae of true dung beetles all feed on dung. Between 1965 and 1985, a total 1,7 million dung beetles of 55 species were imported into Australia from Hawaii, Africa and Southern Europe. They were introduced to bury the dung of livestock, helping to eliminate the flies’ breeding medium. The introduction of dung beetles had a significant effect on Australian agriculture, land management, and the control of buffalo and bush flies.
TYPES OF DUNG BEETLE
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の November 12, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の November 12, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
