Conservation agriculture (CA) practices are gaining traction in South Africa, and CA has resulted in many farmers increasing the potential of their soils to a point where the whole agro-ecological system is regenerated. This is why the term regenerative agriculture is often favoured.
These practices also lead to crops being better protected against threats like drought, climate change, pests, diseases and increasing input costs. Thanks to no-till cultivation and cover crops, farmers are also making a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon in the soil. This has the added potential of earning farmers extra income through carbon credits.
To gain the utmost benefit from these systems, Dr Hendrik Smith, conservation agricultural facilitator at ASSET Research and the Maize Trust, explains that the trifecta of a no-till system, permanent organic soil cover and biodiversity is needed.
“Minimal disturbance of the soil, a permanent soil cover and the trampling effect of cattle grazing on diverse cover crops, together with the micro-organisms and nutrients they support in the soil through manure and urine, create the best scenario for capturing carbon and lowering a farm’s carbon footprint.”
Studies undertaken under the CA Farmer Innovation Programme in the summer rainfall cropping areas of South Africa, which have been funded by the Maize Trust and implemented by ASSET Research, show that the most benefits could be obtained from a three-year rotation system. In the first year, a relay winter cover crop is planted in between a maize crop in around February. In the second year, this field is planted to a multispecies summer and winter cover crop, early enough in the season to allow for it to be grazed three times, recovering between grazing.
Denne historien er fra October 15, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra October 15, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
