Why should farmers move away from conventional fertilisers to more environmentally friendly fertilisers?
Viktor Sukau (VS): For several reasons. The first is to reduce environmental pollution. Conventional fertilisers, which are typically made from synthetic chemicals, can cause water and soil pollution. These chemicals seep into groundwater and nearby bodies of water, leading to contamination and harming aquatic life. Environmentally friendly fertilisers, by contrast, tend to be derived from natural sources and are less likely to cause pollution.
The second reason is to improve soil health. Overuse of conventional fertiliser can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil, making it less fertile and reducing crop yield over time. By contrast, environmentally friendly fertilisers, such as organic fertilisers, can help to improve soil health and fertility, leading to more productive and sustainable agriculture.
The third reason is to ensure healthier food. Conventional fertilisers can leave residue on crops that’s harmful to human health, whereas organic fertilisers are typically safer and healthier.
A fourth reason is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional fertilisers are often produced with fossil fuels, which leads to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Environmentally friendly fertilisers tend to have a lower carbon footprint and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, transitioning to environmentally friendly fertilisers can lead to improved environmental and human health outcomes, while promoting more sustainable and productive agriculture.
Are conventional fertilisers more cost-effective then environmentally friendly fertilisers?
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023-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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Syngenta Seedcare celebrates a decade of innovation
Syngenta's ambition is to enable their customers' investments to grow in healthy soil from treated seeds to young plants through innovation and collaboration, writes Magda du Toit.
Agri workers shine at Western Cape awards
Lindie-Alet van Staden, a garden and olive orchard manager at L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek, was crowned as the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of 2024 at a gala event recently held near Paarl.
Small and large farmers recognised at grain awards
The annual Grain SA/Syngenta awards ceremony bears testimony to the quality of farmers in the grain industry.
Growing partnerships: Fedgroup's flexible and innovative approach
Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.
Why fish farms fail, and how to avoid becoming a statistic
The popularity of launching fish farms is not matched by their success. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, explores the factors that cause most of these businesses to go under.
Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting
Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.
THE HITCHING POST
I'm a stylish elderly lady with a radiant glow and a good sense of humour that keeps me young at heart.
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.
Does high-density grazing mimic grazing patterns of game?
In their paper on high-density grazing in Southern Africa, professors Angelinus Franke and Elmarie Kotzé from the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State say high-density grazing systems may not accurately reflect natural ecosystems. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Global grain outlook: 2024/25 marketing season
In its latest summer crops report, the Crop Estimates Committee says South African farmers intend to plant 4,47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024/25 season, up 1% from the previous season. As South Africa exports maize and soya bean, Annelie Coleman reports on the latest trends in the international grain and oilseed markets, amid fluctuations in weather conditions and ongoing armed conflicts.
