The purpose of filtration is to protect the irrigation system from particles that can cause blockages. The best filter is one that retains the largest percentage of particles with the potential to clog the emitters. The choice of filtration is therefore guided by the choice of emitter. While some emitters clog easily, other types are […]
As a second-generation farmer, Tobias Musariri from Chegutu, about 100 kilometres southwest of Harare, credits the Zimmatic centre pivots for his success in cultivating 100 seed hectares of seed production for local seed houses, as well as 400 hectares of commercial maize on his Kwamasita Farm. “This is a second-generation farm. It was founded by […]
By the time Johan Abrie, managing partner at Sampada-Agri, knocked on Agrico Nylstroom’s door for a new irrigation system for sugar beans, the window for planting was closing fast. Sampada-Agri have established a prominent presence in the region, specialising in the export of premium strawberries and experiencing rapid growth in their cattle operation. Now they […]
In the quest to achieve sustainable agriculture and global food security, the connection between crops and water is paramount. Efficient crop irrigation is more than just a farming practice; it is a sophisticated science that ensures plants receive the precise amount of water they need at the very moment they need it. According to Sixolise […]
South Africa is renowned for its diverse agricultural landscapes. However, some producers face significant challenges, particularly concerning their water needs in a water-scarce country. Precision irrigation stands out as a solution that can aid farmers in overcoming this challenge. Charl van Reenen, agronomy manager at Netafim South Africa, explains that the availability of water directly […]
The Langkloof, a fertile valley bisected by the R62 in the Eastern Cape, is famous for its fruit production. The past few years, however, have seen farmers in the area struggling to provide enough water for their orchards. The valley received its last normal annual rainfall in 2015, and competition for water in urban and […]
Many types of irrigation are available; it will pay you to explore all the options carefully before making a commitment. It is well known, for example, that drip irrigation uses less water than other systems. Some farmers choose it based on this fact alone, and end up paying the price for not doing their homework. […]
The days of starting the pump in an orchard and assuming the trees will be watered are long gone,” says Willem Kieviet, area manager of Indigo Fruit Farming on the outskirts of Mbombela, Mpumalanga. Instead, he uses a meticulous method in which every decision is backed up by data, and any water applications are checked […]
The global-smart irrigation market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 15,2% from 2021 to 2030, according to Quince Market Insights. And remarkably, this is off an already a huge base: the market reached an estimated value of US$1,15 trillion (about R17,5 trillion) in 2021. In its January 2022 global report, Quince […]
Blueberries are one of the fastest-growing agricultural commodities in South Africa, with farmers capitalising on high market demand and favourable prices. However, since the expansion of water and soil resources remain stagnant, the key to sustaining the growth of the blueberry sector is to farm smarter, using less water and other resources, for a bigger […]
