FAST FACTS
- Cultivar choice is an important production decision and can contribute to reducing risk and optimising yield.
- A producer should use good-quality seed and maintain appropriate seeding densities, as the plant population may significantly affect competition among plants as well as weeds.
- Seeding densities for wheat may vary from 15kg/ ha to 35kg/ha under dryland conditions, and 65kg/ha to 200kg/ha under irrigation.
Knowledge is crucial to success in crop production, and seldom more so than for wheat in South Africa, where growing conditions vary and much of the country’s supply is imported. Producers need to base short- and long-term planning on the latest market and industry information so they can adapt when required to increase profit per hectare.
To succeed, a farmer has to understand his or her specific production area, take note of long-term climate conditions, and keep up with the latest cultivars.
CHOOSING CULTIVARS
Cultivar choice is a key production decision and can contribute to reducing risk and optimising yield. The selection of a cultivar is principally an economic decision, where the producer must find a balance between risk and yield potential. The yield potential of the wheat, in combination with the production area, climate and soil type, is as important as the management of input and production costs.
Cultivars differ in characteristics such as area adaptability, yield potential and stability, agronomic characteristics, as well as tolerance of diseases, pests and aluminium toxicity. New varieties are released frequently, and it is important to understand their characteristics and how they fit into the farm’s cropping system.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin September 10, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin September 10, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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.
