Knowledge grows in South Africa
Manure is the waste from animals. It can be obtained either from natural deposits or livestock farming. The content of manure is highly variable, and each batch must be analysed if it is used for nutrient supply for crops. We recommend reading Natural fertilizers for vegetables with this article. Manure is different from compost. It must…
Natural fertilizers for vegetables usually refer to manure, compost and industrial waste products from animals. It consists of biodegradable material which is normally eco friendly. The process through which it is made is not necessarily eco friendly or sustainable. Each product has its advantages and disadvantages. The grower must evaluate and understand which natural fertilizer…
Soil sulfur is not a very well known element, but it is part of the macronutrients. Sulfur or S, is absorbed in the same amounts as phosphorus. Uptake of S by grasses is about 10 kg/ha, leguminous crops 25-30 kg/ha and cabbage about 40-45 kg/ha. The table below compares sulfur and phosphorus in the %…
Soil calcium can be a mystery as most growers focus on nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. If you scan literature, scientists get very involved in detail and confusing for the average non post graduate farmer. This is a simple yet quick cheat sheet on soil calcium that will quickly give you an overview of the important…
Climate requirements of carrots Carrots is a cold weather crop. The ideal growing season is from early autumn to late spring. Carrots can be grown throughout the year if summers are not too hot like the lowveld in South Africa. Although heavy frost damage leaves, it does not affect the root, so the carrot itself…
Carrot1)Public Domain Image from https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1058100, The image is released free of copyrights under Creative Commons CC0. fertilizer requirements can be calculated if you know your soil type and have a good idea of the yield potential of your land and climate. These are basic norms and your specific microclimate and variety can have an influence…
A spray program must be applied on a scientific basis otherwise it will not be effective. All chemicals must be applied at the right place (target) and the right time and in the right way. Pesticides and fungicides are dangerous chemicals, they are designed to kill pests and diseases, but they can also kill humans…
Pea fertilizer (Pisum sativum) requirements can be calculated if you know your soil type and have a good idea of the yield potential of your land and climate. These are basic norms and your specific microclimate and variety can have an influence on the total amount applied. These norms do not take top dressings into…
Beetroot fertilizer requirements can be calculated if you know your soil type and have a good idea of the yield potential of your land and climate. These are basic norms and your specific microclimate and variety can have an influence on the total amount applied. These norms do not take top dressings into account, only…
When susceptible crop plantings follow at close intervals i.e. within 12 months or less, beet cyst nematode builds up in the soil to damaging population concentrations. High populations may reduce the yield by 20-40%. The beet cyst nematode was found in vegetable lands around cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, Pinetown, Port…
