Each year farmers, financial institutions and investors lose millions of rands because of marginal soils. Farming has become expensive and does not allow room for mistakes.
It is therefore important for farmers to investigate the soil profile and fertility status of each production unit, so that relevant measures can be taken to mitigate the risk of capital loss.
But what is marginal soil? The term is broad, but the simple definition in agricultural context is soil with a limited reservoir of water and nutrients available to plants.
Marginal soil can be categorised by physical characteristics and chemical composition, amongst others.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The physical characteristics of the soil has to do with rooting depth and soil texture, and whether its content is stony, sandy or clayey.
A farmer can do nothing to change the physical characteristics of the soil, but he or she can work with nature.
Soil depth is one of the key components determining the yield potential of the crop. Maize, for instance, requires a soil depth of more than 1m to reach its maximum yield potential. For this reason, the capacity of land with a shallower depth will already be limited.
The farmer will have to fertilise the soil and choose a cultivar that will optimise the yield potential of the land, or plant crops that are suited for the land, or perhaps avoid planting such fields.
Simply put, a shallow field should never be fertilised and planted with a cultivar that has high yield potential, because the expenses will never be recovered.
This story is from the 16 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 16 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.