FAST FACTS
FruitLook is a web-based digital tool that enables farmers to track plant growth as well as water and nitrogen use in their orchards and vineyards.
It is already in use across 9,5 million hectares of Western Cape farmland.
Several case studies have proven how the results yielded by the FruitLook monitoring system can be used to improve production management.
FruitLook is a web-based tool used by farmers, consultants and researchers in the Western Cape since 2011. Once employed primarily for the monitoring of growth and water use in vineyards (hence its original moniker of GrapeLook), it is today compatible with a number of commodities and is used over a much larger area. At present, FruitLook covers 9,5 million hectares in the Western Cap. It is also free to use in the province as it is subsidised by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
The tool uses eLEAF’s Pixel Intelligence technology to provide maps at a resolution of 20m x 20m.
FruitLook enables farmers to monitor the growth, water-use and crop nitrogen levels of the irrigation blocks on their farms on a weekly basis. Its field analysis functionality makes it possible to generate graphs and spatial maps that are useful for visually identifying problems that may arise in individual blocks.
This article explores a number of case studies of how FruitLook has assisted farmers.
DRAINAGE PIPES NOT LINKED
This story is from the July 09, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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 July 09, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
