Planning a new orchard requires sufficient time and resources before committing to such as big investment.
A comprehensive business plan that takes many factors into consideration is needed before a new orchard can be planted.
Research should be the first step and should cover topics like variety selection, environmental challenges, advantages and disadvantages of using trellises, the availability and quality of water, optimum planting density and spacing, and pest and disease prevalence in the area.
The main purpose of the plan is to eliminate surprises and ensure not only an income but a proper return on this major investment, too.
Many things can go wrong when establishing a new orchard, says Carl Fourie, production manager for Letsitele citrus at Mahela Group. "Certain setbacks can mean that the orchard never reaches its full potential in terms of yield and quality. It can even result in an orchard not reaching its full lifespan or replanting.
"To correct mistakes or compensate for inadequacies may mean production practices will have to be adapted at a meaningful additional cost.
"Once the trees are in the ground, they may be there for quite some time, so proper planning with careful consideration of all production and environmental aspects is needed.
"Most fruit trees require between six and eight hours of sunlight for good growth and fruit ripening, so aspects like soil type and how much sun the area will receive during the growing season will have an impact," Fourie points out.
Pitfalls of establishing an orchard include:
• Incorrect choice of cultivar for a particular area; Incorrect layout of the orchard;
•Inadequate soil preparation;
• Incorrect choice of rootstock; and Incorrect planting of trees, resulting in poor establishment.
Denne historien er fra August 02, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra August 02, 2024-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
More funding needed to flood-proof Olifants River
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer recently handed over R14,98 million to the Citrusdal Water Users’ Association.
Zambia, Burundi agree to maximise agri potential
In a bid to capitalise on the livestock and arable land in Zambia and Burundi, the two countries have agreed in principle to review the existing bilateral trade agreement in agricultural products under memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and to bolster foreign exchange earnings.
Expanded market brings avocado season success
The South African avocado industry is making headway in India after gaining market access earlier this year. Supported by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), consumers and food businesses in India are being educated about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how best to use this fruit in Indian cuisine.
Plan needed to enhance competitiveness of SA's deciduous fruit canning industry
Dr Heinrich Jantjies, group risk, safety and security director at Tiger Brands, says the deciduous fruit canning industry has been on a decline in South Africa since 2016. He suggests implementing a Deciduous Fruit Canning Industry Recovery and Competitive Plan to turn the industry around.
Kruger's memory lingers in his Boekenhoutfontein farmhouses
Lucille Davie visits Kedar Heritage Lodge in North West to see the farmhouses Paul Kruger owned.
From street art to feats of engineering, Bristol has it all
Brian Berkman visits the vibrant UK port city of Bristol and says two days are not enough to explore renowned graffiti artist Banksy's hometown and pop in at all the historical taverns.
Managing broodmares and foals profitably and safely
Broodmares and their foals are at high risk of stress, diseases and injuries if their management is suboptimal, says Dr Mac.
Double cab's leisure features find favour
The GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Super Luxury AT has launched in South Africa, and the bakkie takes aim at the more premium, leisure-focused offerings from rival brands. Car Magazine's Marius Boonzaier writes.
More fungal diseases that can infect beans
Bill Kerr explains the symptoms of angular leaf spot and anthracnose and how to avoid infection in your fields.
Keeping invasive insects at bay
Featuring an array of delicious fruit from peaches to cherries, stone fruit is attractive to a variety of bugs that can be effectively controlled with integrated pest management, writes Zunel van Eeden.
