Agritech is a growing industry, and it’s time for today’s farmers to harness its potential for improved decision-making, production, access to markets, and new investment opportunities.
1. SMART SOIL HEALTH
PES Technologies has developed a tool that turns soil testing into a five-minute process. Instead of soil samples being sent off to a laboratory, the PES device works as a point-of-care diagnostics machine does in the medical field. It’s hand-held and battery-powered, and controlled using a smartphone app. It reports on a range of biological, chemical and physical soil-health indicators, including microbial biomass and soil organic matter content.
You can analyse soil samples there and then on the land without any sample preparation. In this way, you’ll have a better idea of the right products to use to balance the soil and create the best possible conditions for plants to thrive.
2. CLOUD-BASED DATA PLATFORMS
Cloud-based platforms such as Continuum Ag’s TopSoil Tool are able to combine soil health data and deliver unbiased recommendations to provide farmers with direction and
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's weekly 3 March 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's weekly 3 March 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The private sector still needs to step up
A coalition government won't fix past failures in South Africa, says Lawrence Hamilton, South Africa-UK Bilateral Research Professor in Political Theory for Wits University and the University of Cambridge. Thus, we can expect the private sector to play a bigger role in delivering power, transport and security, he adds.
Hydrogen: a vehicle emissions reduction alternative?
The current narrative around vehicle electrification typically covers battery cost, raw materials, weight, driving range, or charging infrastructure – all battery electric vehicle issues. There is rarely any discussion around the use of hydrogen as an alternative means of achieving vehicle emission targets. Why this apparent lack of interest?
Cotton industry comes together to forge a new future
A strategic cotton summit held recently in Limpopo was an important step towards creating unity in the industry and a common goal throughout the entire cotton value chain.
Understanding the basics of chicken abattoirs and related legislation
South Africa has strict laws that regulate the slaughtering of animals in commercial abattoirs. In this article, Farmer's Weekly looks at how a chicken abattoir works, what facilities are needed and what the laws are that govern the establishment and operation of such abattoirs.
New fruit fly species detected in South Africa
Spotted wing drosophila has been confirmed in South Africa, posing a threat to most fruit production areas. However, efforts are underway to contain and manage the spread, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Western Cape pet owners urged to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is urging people to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a confirmed case in Cape Town.
Concerns arise over potential Irish potato shortage
Consumers may soon experience a shortage of Irish potatoes, leading to potentially higher prices.
Industry players debate call to extend tariff rebates for imported chicken
The debate over extending tariff rebates on chicken imported into South Africa continues as industry players argue over market dynamics and food affordability.
Wildlife income dives as minister stays mum on hunting quotas
The South African wildlife industry faces an uncertain future in light of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's delay in publishing this year's annual hunting quota.
Four apps to improve productivity and more
There are a range of apps available on the South African market to help farmers improve efficiency and production. We explore four of them here.