Knowledge grows in South Africa
Sweet potato soil requirements are similar to many other vegetable crops. Good high quality soil is the first step towards good yields, it is not a guarantee, but it helps. The soil texture, structure and chemical composition significantly influences root growth, which is where the tubers grow. Any part of the soil that restricts root…
Soil magnesium is by no means unimportant. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphate research dominates that of soil magnesium. Calcium is hardly ever a problem in soil. It is part of the lime fertilizer calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2H2O). Adding lime to the soil includes enough calcium for plant growth. One can call it a lopsided fertilizer application, which…
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…
Soil compaction1)Featured Image obtained from: Photos Public Domain; Dirt is a problem that all growers face. There are a huge variety of equipment for soil preparation, but the primary tillage implements are mouldboard ploughs, large discs and chisel ploughs. The mouldboard and large disc ploughs tend to produce a compacted hard layer just below the…
Soil preparation has a significant influence on yield and quality of the crop. Unfortunately equipment and tractors not only cost a lot but are expensive to maintain. In most cases it is more economical to hire someone to do the ploughing with better equipment that what you can afford. If your soil is managed poorly,…
