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ProAgri Zambia 54 1

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Much is deliberated about the after-math and repercussions of COVID-19.

There were not many surprises in terms of estimated death numbers, and the projections were sometimes exaggerated and are corrected on a regular basis. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the economic im-plications which are busy unfolding all over the world. Economists predict a 20% rise in people who will struggle to feed them-selves soon, of which more than 80% are in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. An official state of famine will oc-cur in about 35 countries. Globally, an estimated 135 million people are not food secure and the coronavirus could increase this by another 130 million by year-end. Of those, 79 million people will be in Sub-Saharan Africa. The local economies in Africa are mostly small enough to fly under the

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Material handling equipment makes labour so much easier and increases productivity on the farm. Northwest Forklifts is the agent for the Merlo brand in this region. Read all about these quality and reliable machines on page 3.

radar, but the necessary imports will leave us in a predicament. This includes food, medicine and other necessities. Africans can survive on the bare minimum if push comes to shove and we are tough. We can even change our diets to rely on locally produced food only, but we will not be able to flex our muscles if we run out of food. It is the urban people who will suf-fer the most. They need a few more links in their supply chain than farm-ers to feed themselves. Therefore, our farmers will have to learn to improvise and put in that extra weight to deliver food to a few more families. The supply from abroad is already under pres-sure. Any enterprising farmer should see opportunities here, but it is more than that. The time has arrived for farmers to become heroes, to prevent a serious famine. Some produce will even have to be delivered for free be-cause unemployment has already risen sharply. Luckily, our farmers are sons and daughters of the soil and know desperation when they see it. We know what humanity entails. We have to rise to the occasion. The impact of COVID-19 is here to stay for an awfully long time, but agri-culture is forever. Stay safe and enjoy the many articles in this extra bulky edition of 68 pages.

Farm smartly!Du Preez de [email protected]

3 5 10 27 30 34

Letter from the Editor

ProAgri Zambia

Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved. No material, text or photo graphs may be reproduced, copied or in any other way transmitted without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or of the editor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their respective owners. ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.

Nangwenya HouseNo. 7352 Nangwenya Road

Rhodespark+26 (0)97-769-9786www.proagri.co.za

ProAgriProAgritechnology for the farmer Z a m b i aZ a m b i a

EditorDu Preez de Villiers > +27 [email protected] Bremner > +27 [email protected] Ackermann > +27 [email protected] Cilliers > +27 [email protected] Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 [email protected] ManagerDiane Grobler > +27 [email protected] Pieterse > +27 [email protected] Swartz > +27 [email protected] Smith > +27 [email protected] Strauss > +27 [email protected] Potgieter > +27 [email protected] ManagerChristiaan Joubert > +27 [email protected] Kruger & Esta van NiekerkEnquiriesEngela Botha > +27 [email protected] Schluter > +27 [email protected] Business ManagerGeorge Grobler

Lift your farm to new heights with Merlo and Forklifts NWNovatek: Practice efficient feeding on broiler farmsTiger Feeds: Fish deserve more than just feedTal-Tec makes branding easier for cattle and farmerCreate the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 11Plant Health Agri: Optimising spray water qualityYou plant the crops; Senter360 applies the water Irrigation made easy: Part 5Agrico offers precise irrigation, effortlesslyReinke says: Pivot beats drip systemHelping farmers. Fighting climate change. Syngenta launches Good Growth PlanFarm lad takes the lead at Isuzu SATobacco farmers reap benefits with RITCOComposting and composting systems: Part 2SeedCo explains the impact of yield limiting factors on maizeThe operation and application of medium and big square balers: Part 9Falcon and Amazone offer original parts for long-term safety and performanceAgriculture minister launches Meet the Farmers virtual summit and exhibitionWater wise farmers build earth dams: Part 4Green Grow Pecan Nursery: Increase your income and the value of your farm

3.5.7.9.

10.14.16.19.23.24.25.27.29.30.33.34.39.41.42.47.

2 ProAgri Zambia 54

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Lift your farm to new heights with Merlo and Forklifts NWby Jaco Cilliers

The Turbofarmer range is avail-able from Forklifts NW in Rusten-burg, South Africa. With 24 years of experience they have all the right expertise to service your forklifts and telehandlers, and supply parts and the right advice.

For more information, contact Shawn Harris and his team on +27(0)14-597-1010 or send an e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected].

Telehandlers are normally associ-ated with the mining, construction,

and manufacturing sectors, but they are also a valuable asset to any farm, especially Merlo’s telehandlers that are designed and built specifically for the agricultural sector. They have been market leaders in agricultural forklifts and telehandlers since 1996. One of the simple adaptations that Merlo has made to better suit the ag-ricultural market, is to install a revers-ible hydraulic fan that automatically cleans the radiator and prevents it from being clogged by dust. There are two model ranges that were specifically adapted to suit the agricultural environment: The first is the Multifarmer that is equipped with a three-point linkage, a PTO, hydraulic distribution points and a twenty-tonne capacity towing hook.

The second range is the slightly smaller Turbofarmer that is better suited for the small-scale farmer look-ing to expand his farming enterprise. The Turbofarmer 42,7 has a maxi-mum lifting capacity of 4 200 kg and a maximum lifting height of 7,1 metres. It also has an extended reach of 3,7 meters. The Turbofarmer is powered by the four-cylinder Kubota V380D tier 3 engine which complies with European emission standards. The engine deliv-ers a total power of 74 kW and is more than capable to get the job done. The hydrostatic Merlo transmission comes standard with the Turbofarmer, and allows powerful acceleration, flexi-ble manoeuvring, and engine-controlled breaking. With a 110 litre hydraulic oil tank, there is enough hydraulic fluid to operate all the functions of the tele-handler safely and effectively. Rough terrain and small spaces are no problem for the Turbofarmer. With all-wheel drive and differential lock-ing capability, it can go where any conventional tractor would be able to. Furthermore, it also has crab steer which allows easy manoeuvring in tight spaces. All-wheel steering is another standard feature on the Turbofarmer, which allows it to easily navigate any difficult environment. The interior of the cab also has a list of benefits for the driver. It has the big-gest cab in its class and comes stand-ard with the patented Merlo Safety System. The multi-functional armrest allows the operator complete control of the machine. It has an electro-mecha-nical joystick command to allow easier use for the operator. The display panel

informs the operator of all the infor-mation that he needs to operate the machine safely and effectively. The telescopic arm is equipped with the Tac-Lock attachment locking sys-tem as an added safety measure. There is a whole range of attach-ments that can be used on the Turbo-farmer range, including bale forks, loaders, grippers for bales and manure forks with claws.

The boom on the Turbofarmer 42,7 can extend to a maximum height of 7,1 metres and lift a load of up to 4,2 tonnes.

Shawn Harris and Morné Petzer from Forklifts NW will assist you in taking your farm to new heights with the Merlo Turbofarmer telehandler range.

The Turbofarmer is equipped with a rear hook that has a twenty-tonne towing capacity.

4 ProAgri Zambia 54

ProAgri Zambia 54 5

Novatek: Practice efficient feeding on broiler farmsby Naomi Musonda

You may contact Wiehan Visagie at [email protected] or Marné Visagie at [email protected] for any informa-tion on feeding and feeds.

On any broiler farm, feed efficiency plays an important role when farm-

ers want to become more profitable. Broiler farmers can make use of the feed conversion ratio (FCR), as a bench-mark of productivity, to help them real-ising their long-term financial goals. Many factors affect the FCR. Two ex-amples are management and the envi-ronment. Therefore, it is essential to optimise these parameters with the in-tention of improved feed utilisation.

Below are some points to consider when you plan to optimise efficiency on your farm:Feed and waterMake sure that the birds have uninter-rupted access to feed and water. It is crucial to allocate enough feeders and drinkers to the number of birds in the house. The height of all feeders and drinkers should also be adjusted ac-cording to the size and age of the birds.

Environmental conditionsEnvironmental stress can adversely af-fect feed intake. Nutrient absorption and gut motility decrease substantially during stress periods. To get the best performance out of birds, a farmer needs to create the right environmental conditions. The best would be to control the temperature and airflow in the poul-try house.

Phase feeding and FCRThe feed must meet the nutrient re-quirements of the bird. One way to ensure a good supply of nutrients is through phase feeding. Phase feeding refers to feeding different diets de-pending on the age and weight of the bird. Below is a table that indicates the feeding guidelines for Novatek Animal Feeds.

Diet Feeding period (days) Kg feed / bird

Pre-Starter 0 - 5 0,2

Starter 6 - 12 0,3

Grower 13 - 24 1

Finisher 25 - 33 1,3

Withdrawal 34 - 38 0,4

The FCR is the quantity of feed required to gain one kilogramme of live weight. The lower the FCR, the less feed is needed to increase weight. Therefore, the animal managed to convert feed into weight more efficiently. Below is the calculation for FCR.

FCR = Feed Intake (kg) / Weight Gain (kg)

Thus, to maximise profitability on a farm, ensure that you feed high-quality

feed that will be utilised efficiently by the birds. Novatek Animal Feeds en-sures that your birds reach their full genetic potential and achieve excellent FCRs.

Photo: William Dais, Pixabay.

6 ProAgri Zambia 54

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Tiger Feeds: Fish deserve more than just feedby Given Hamanungu

Fish farming is an integral part of profitable farming business in

Zambia, which makes a great and important contribution to the econ-omy, social health and well-being of the country. Fish is a good source of protein in the human diet. Tiger Animal Feeds plays a key role in the fish farm-ing industry through the manufacturing of quality fish feed. For fish farming to contribute meaningfully in the national economic circle, there is a need to have a viable and reputable fish feed manufacturer. Tiger Animal Feeds is committed to and focuses on techni-cal service to the already existing and potential fish farmers, whilst producing quality fish feed that provides faster growth. The following are key points to be considered when farming with fish:

Water qualityFish need good water quality to survive and grow. Quality water should be high in dissolved oxygen, have no pollut-ants, and should not have excessive organic or toxic matter. A vegetated dike is needed to reduce soil erosion and pesticides entering the pond.

Feeding recommendations

Fencing a pond is needed to prevent livestock from trampling pond dikes, which causes pond shallowing, muddy water, and loss of fish.

Feeding programme for 1 000 tilapia

Age in weeks

Average weight

(g)Feed Grams

/ day

1 0,5

Tilapia fry

100

2 1,5 225

3 3 300

4 6 480

5 10 700

6 15

Tilapia grower

1 050

7 22 1 430

8 32 1 920

9 45 2 475

10 63 3 465

11 88 4 400

12 122

Tilapia finisher

6 100

13 170 7 650

14 230 10 035

15 290 11 600

16 360 14 400

17 410 14 350

18 450 12 375

19 490 12 250

Notes: 1. Average growth = 4,5 g/day overall2. Expected FCR (Feed Conversion

Rate) = 1,3 to 1,4:1 3. Maximum FCR = 1,55:14. Feed 5 times per day 5. Feed should be fresh, dry and kept

out of sunlight6. Feed buckets should be kept clean

and dry7. Keep modules clean – remove ex-

cess feed and dead fish daily

Record keepingKeep accurate records of numbers and sizes of fish caught in the pond, to determine the quality and fish popula-tion status, or if any management is needed. Record the feed consump-tion, feeding period, water quality, fish mortality, and fish weekly weights and sizes. Periodically review your records to see if there are any differences from the standard parameters.

Stocking densityStock the pond with all male finger-lings. The use of mixed sex tilapia is not recommended because: • Males grow faster than females. • Mixed sex tilapia will start to re-

produce after a few months. This reproduction cannot be controlled.

• Uncontrolled breeding leads to poor growth of the fish and other problems like diseases.

Visit Tiger Animal Feeds’ main office or sales depots throughout the country for valuable technical services free of charge, and keep abreast of progress in fish farming management information. Contact Given Hamanungu, Technical Advisor, at +26-097-540-3834 or [email protected] for more information.

Mortality Fish mortality affects population. Given that drug treatments are expensive, fish mortality invariably leads to lower harvest and higher cost. Fish farmers often suffer hefty economic losses due to high mortality rates. To alleviate such losses, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent fish mortal-ity. It is also important to prevent water quality from deteriorating due to high pathogen levels and other sources. Regular monitoring of fish health is an effective way to prevent high mor-tality rates. One major cause of serious fish deaths is overlooking the conta-giousness of fish diseases and thus delaying treatment.

It is important to source fingerlings from a well trusted and recognised breeder for good quality size and good uniformity.

8 ProAgri Zambia 54

Now available in ZAMBIA

+260 211 254 024 / 497 / [email protected]

ProAgri Zambia 54 9

If it comes to equipment, advice and excellent service, Tal-Tec is the one to contact. Please use the following methods: +27(0)12 250 2188, +27(0)66 299 7939, [email protected] or www.tal-tec.co.za

Nobody likes to brand cattle, but unfortunately there is no other way.

That is why Tal-Tec is there to help you with the right equipment, technique, and advice to make the process as smooth and painless as possible for the cattle and the farmer.

Why is Tal-Tec’s branding irons made of stainless steel?To prevent blisters. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat. It heats up quickly and cools down just as quick. When we brandmark an animal, we only want to go skin deep and leave a scar – we do not want it warmer than that. Hold the stainless steel branding iron for a maximum of four seconds against the skin to leave a nice and clear mark of the letter or number. If the branding iron is too hot, the heat gets trans-ferred to the skin and meat around the brandmark, which will make a big blister in the whole area. When the blister is healed, there will be a rough, unreadable brandmark.

How do I prevent too much heat being transferred to the animal?If you hold the branding iron for too long on the skin, you can cause a blis-ter. Push the iron firmly onto the skin and count loudly: “One thousand, two

Tal-Tec makes branding easier for cattle and farmer

thousand, three thousand, four thou-sand.” Then remove the iron. A good way to ensure a perfect brandmark, is to cool down the area before letting the animal go. Cool down the skin and meat around the area. You can do this by using a bucket with cold water and a cloth. Splash the water onto the skin after you have branded the animal. This will help to prevent blisters and bring some relief to the animal, just like you will hold your hand under cold water when you have burned it. Some farmers freeze water in old margarine containers, and then rub the frozen block over the brand-mark area to cool it down. If your branding iron is made of a material that takes longer to cool down, like normal steel or copper, more heat will be distributed to the skin in these four seconds and may cause blisters. Ask the supplier what the exact brand time and procedure is for that iron.

Why are our branding iron letters made out of flat bar and not round bar?The sharp edges on the letters or numbers ensure that the branding iron makes perfect contact with the skin to result in a clear, sharp-edged mark. A letter or number made out of round

bar makes enough contact in the centre, but fades to the edges. The brandmark made with this round bar has a shadow effect around the sides and makes it look smudged.

What is the difference between a gas brand-ing iron and a fire branding iron?Our standard branding irons are for gas brand-ing and each letter or number is 75 x 50 mm in size. On request we can make smaller let-ters or numbers. The smallest we make is 50 x 40 mm. These irons

can be heated on a gas oven which is also available from Tal-Tec. Fire branding irons are made out of thicker steel and is bigger than normal branding irons. A wood or charcoal fire is normally used to heat up these irons and these fires are hotter than a gas oven. Because stainless steel gets softer when heated up, thicker steel must be used for a fire iron to ensure that the letters or numbers do not bend and keep their shape. The most damage to a branding iron can be caused when you use the let-ters or numbers to scrape the coals, and therefore we ask farmers to refrain from this practice to ensure that your irons last longer. Use pokers designed for the purpose to manage the fire and coals. Unlike a fire, the gas oven heats up the iron more evenly to reduce the chances of a blurry brandmark and avoid blisters from being formed. This is the main reason why we prefer and suggests using a gas oven.

Tal-Tec recommends using a gas oven to heat the branding irons due to the fact that the heat is distribut-ed evenly on the branding iron sur-face to prevent blisters or unclear branding marks.

Using the correct technique and proper equipment will mini-mise the discomfort of the animal and also help the farmer to get the job done safely and effectively.

Flat bar is used instead of round bar to ensure that the brand mark is displayed clearly on the animal

10 ProAgri Zambia 54

The interior and exterior layout of a milking parlour

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 11

To ensure a pleasant milking experi-ence for the cows, farmer, workers

and even visitors, it is very wise to have a look at all the factors involved and do some planning before you draw up the plans of your parlour. Placing of rooms inside the milk-ing parlour and buildings in relation to each other can be best illustrated by means of Figure 1.

Milk roomThe milk room must, if possible, be built back to back to the machine room. The room must be accessible for

a milk tanker to extract milk (Engel-brecht, 1991). Doors that lead from the milk room must be wide enough for taking milk tanks in and out of the room.

BathroomExcept where approved facilities al-ready exist within 15 m from a newly planned milking parlour, suitable facili-ties must be provided, considering the number of employees. If the toilet is built separately, it must be at least 30 m from the nearest point of the dairy building (Smith, 1998).

Machine roomThe machine room must be placed as close as possible to the milk room to keep the vacuum lines as short as possible. It must preferably be built back to back to the milk room. As the efficiency of the cooling machinery depends on the exterior temperature, it is preferable that the machine room should be on the cooler side of the building (Smith, 1998).

OfficeThe farmer must have a view of the milking parlour and the milk room from

Picture 1.

ProAgri Zambia 54 11

Figure 1: Interior and exterior layout of a milking parlour.

Picture 2: Grooves in the concrete must be durable and non-slip and not reduce the hoof contact area to such an extent that the cows will slip and fall. Photo: Jolan Chapin, Pixabay.


Picture 3: Broken tiles should be replaced as soon as possible as it may cause injuries to the parlour workers.

his office, as well as of the holding pen outside the building. The office must be situated in such a way that visi-tors have to report to the office first, before entering the milking parlour (Smith,1998).

Clean and soiled areaIt is important that the layout of the buildings and structures are done in such a way that animal movement and traffic of the tankers and other vehicles do not cross. Figure 1 shows where animals move, where the soiled area is, where other vehicles move and where the clean area is.

Construction detail inside the milking parlourFloorsAll floors are built on the same level, except for the milking pit (or operator level) and the office floor, which will be lower and higher for obvious reasons. For efficient drainage, the platform floor and the milking pit floor must have a slope of 1:40 from the inside to the outside, while the curve of the floor over the entire length of the build-ing must be 1:70 (Engelbrecht, 1991). Floors must preferably be 100 mm thick with a concrete strength of 35 to 40 MPa. Block sizes must preferably be

30 times the thickness of the floor. Floors on which the cows walk must be durable and non-slip. The quest for solutions to slippery concrete floors has frequently caused constructions with poor design practices for new floors. Mechanical grooving of old slippery concrete floors has led to the development of techniques for groove imprints in new concrete floors. It was thought that the deeper the grooves, the better. However, these grooves reduce hoof-area contact on the floor and the rolling and slipping hoof force will quickly wear down the edges of the grooves. The result is a more slippery floor than before treatment. Methods such as acid etching, groove-cutting and epoxy glue coating will increase the lifespan of a concrete floor, but none of these methods offers a satis-factory method for the construction of a new floor (Welchert & Armstrong, 1992). Carborundum aggregate, or epoxy paint mixed with sand can be applied to the concrete floor surfaces to make it non-slip. If it is applied thoroughly, it makes the ordinary floors non-slip and durable. A new concrete floor must have a high surface strength resistance against wear and acid and good trac-

tion features. Surface strength de-pends on hard aggregates, anchored in high strength concrete. Besides diamonds, aluminium oxide or Car-borundum aggregate are the hard-est aggregates available. When these aggregates are thoroughly added to the surface of a high strength concrete floor, the resistance of the floor be-comes greater than that of an ordinary concrete floor. The final floor surface must allow sufficient of the aggregate’s points to protrude for good friction contact with the cow’s hoof. The floor traction depends on the size of the cow’s hoof contact area and the num-ber and size of this aggregate contact points. Care must be taken not to make the floor too coarse. Non-slip concrete floors with a very coarse finishing can sometimes cause cows to get sore feet. The size of the aggregates and floor finish are therefore important. The knack is to get just the right surface finish and non-slip texture, so that traction is retained and excess hoof problems are prevented. By using aluminium oxide aggregate, the surface strength and wear resist-ance of concrete floors are improved. Avoid metallic iron aggregates with a high iron oxide percentage, as iron ag-


Next month we shall look at the layout of the doors, windows, roof, milking pit and platform inside the milking parlour.

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

gregates are inclined to rust in an en-vironment with a high moisture content (Welchert & Armstrong. 1992). Another method for a non-slip floor is shown in Picture 4. The floor surface consists of 60 mm and 50 mm high square bricks, placed in diagonal rows. The 60 mm bricks have rounded edges and protrude 10 mm above the 50 mm bricks, which have sharp edges. Ceramic tiles can be used for the floor of the milking pit (see Picture 5). Fill the grooves thoroughly and evenly with a special epoxy filling.

WallsThe walls of the milking parlour must have an interior height of at least 2,4 m, (distance between the floor and the lowest point of the ceiling or roof), provided that the height of the roof or ceiling above the level on which the cows are standing, will be at least 2,1 m. The wall surfaces must have a smooth finish, be washable and light in colour. Smooth, light-coloured face bricks are allowable. The folds between the bricks must be finished evenly with the bricks. The bottom 1 m to 1,5 m of the wall can be tiled. This gives a smooth, neat and washable effect. To improve cross-ventilation, two stand-ard air vents must be fitted for each cow (Smith, 1998).

Picture 4: Example of a non-slip floor.

Picture 5: Milking pit floor covered with ceramic tiles.

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Plant Health Agri: Optimising spray water quality

Require technical assistance or product information?Get in touch with Eric Kalima at Plant Health Agri Ltd., at [email protected] or call +26(0)97-748-6836.

The characteristics of water used in the spray tank can have a profound

influence on the effectiveness of crop protection products. Hard water and a high pH level can be detrimental to the performance of crop protection prod-ucts by preventing uptake into leaves.

Does water quality affect the pesticide performance? Oh yes, it does a great deal! Water is a universal solvent and it is used as a primary carrier for crop protec-tion products, constituting more than 95% of the spray volume. The water quality of groundwater is determined by several factors such as pH, hard-ness, turbidity, and temperature. The presence of dissolved cations like calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminium, zinc, manganese, sodium, potassium, caesium, and lithium can influence pesticide efficacy. ASSIST is a water conditioner with a pH level buffer of 6 to 6,5 and an anti-scum additive, which plays an impor-tant role in ensuring that the quality of water is in tip-top condition to optimise the pesticide performance.

When does a farmer use ASSIST?• On selective and non-selective

herbicides to maximise perfor-mance

• When the spray water has a pH level above 6, to buffer and pre-vent alkaline hydrolysis

• In hard water areas to soften wa-ter and prevent hard water cations “locking up" the herbicide

• To avoid the build-up of scum in the spray tank

What benefits does the farmer gain with ASSIST?• Prevents hard water cations "lock-

ing up" the pesticide which pre-vents the absorption into leaves

• Prevents pesticide breakdown in the spray tank with highly alkaline water – a pH level of 6 is ideal for most pesticides

• Prevents the formation of scum on the walls of the spray tank

What economic value does a farmer receive with ASSIST?• Maximises herbicide availability for

uptake into the leaf for effective weed control

• Maximises herbicide absorption into weeds, increasing the reliabil-ity and number of weeds controlled

• Avoids unnecessary downtime cleaning the spray tank, increasing efficiency on the farm

What is the application rate of ASSIST?Only 0,25% of the final spray volume.

The wellbeing of your crops starts in the spray tank with ASSIST water conditioner.

Eric Kalima of Plant Health Agri Limited with a Mazabuka

Farmer Mr Shaun Reeves of Marula Farm

Optimising spray water quality

The characteristics of water used in the spray tank can have a profound influence on the

effectiveness of crop protection products. Hard water and high pH can be detrimental to

the performance of crop protection products by preventing uptake into leaves. Does water quality affect the pesticide performance?

Oh yes it does a

and it is used as a primary carrier for crop p r o t ection

products applications, constituting more than 95% of the

spray volume. Water quality of groundwater is determined

by several factors such as pH,hardness, alkalinity, turbidity,

and temperature. Presence of dissolved cations like

calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese

sodium, potassium, cesium, and lithium can influence

pesticide efficacy.

great deal...W ater is a universal solvent,

.

Products such as ASSIST which is a water conditioner, buffer (pH6-6.5) and anti-scum plays an important

role in ensuring that the quality of water is in tip top to condition to optimize the pesticide performance.

When does a farmer use ASSIST?

With selective and non-selective herbicides to maximize performance

With spray water above pH6, to buffer and prevent alkaline hydrolysis

In hard water areas to soften water and prevent hard water cations

“locking up" the herbicide

To avoid the buildup of scum in the spray tank

Prevents hard water cations "locking up" the pesticide which prevent the absorption into leaves

Prevents pesticide breakdown in the spray tank with high pH water - pH6 is ideal for most

pesticides

Prevents the formation of scum the walls of the spray tank

What economic value does a farmer achieve with ASSIST?

Maximizes herbicide availability for uptake into the leaf for effective weed control

Maximizes herbicide absorption into weeds increasing the reliability and number of weeds

controlled

Avoids unnecessary downtime cleaning the spray tank, increasing efficiency on farm

What is the application rate of Assist?

Only 0.25% of the final spray volume.

Get in touch

Require technical assistance or product

information?

Eric Kalima - Plant Health Agri [email protected]

+260977486836

What benefits does the farmer achieve with ASSIST?

ASSIST created a good relationship between Eric Kalima of Plant Health Agri Limited and Shaun Reeves of Marula Farm in Mazabuka.

Look out for ASSIST in this container.


You plant the You plant the crops; SENTER360 crops; SENTER360 applies the waterapplies the water

Contact Theuns Dreyer at +27(0)82-564-5955, +27(0)18-469-1331, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Their user-friendly website can be accessed at www.senter360.co.za.

Successful and satisfied farmers agree: SENTER360 builds durable

and very user-friendly pivot irrigation systems with state of the art control panels right here in Southern Africa. They also stand by their farmers in the long run, promising to never let them down. “At SENTER360 we are proud to not only supply the best possible products, but we also believe in building long-term relations with our clients by delivering a package of high-quality products and excellent service,” Theuns Dreyer, Managing Director of SENTER360, says. Their centre pivots, manufactured since 1994, are known for their excellent quality and strength above industry standards. “We have been part of the irrigation industry for more than 25 years and have interests in South Africa, Africa and in the rest of the world,” he says. The team at SENTER360 is passionate about their centre pivots. They build a tough and extraordinary strong struc-ture, and also put full efforts into small details to make a positive difference in a farmer’s everyday life.

Structural stabilitySENTER360 tower trusses are manu-factured from pipe and not angle iron

as is commonly used by other brands. The lighter and structurally stronger material enables them to use two more sets of trusses per tower than with angle iron trusses, ensuring an excep-tionally strong structure. An added advantage of the pipe truss structure is its aerodynamic superior-ity above angle iron as a structural material. That is the reason why a SENTER360 machine can withstand a windstorm of 158 km hour (actual field data) without any damage. During that particular storm, all SENTER360’s remained standing amongst the other brands that toppled over. Standard long base beams, sturdy tower sup-ports, stabilising rods, diagonals, and a low centre of gravity also contribute to exceptional stability.

Innovative control panelsThe same modular principles used throughout the entire SENTER360 design are also visible in their control panel design. Their "basic" control panel is similar in functionality to the top panels of other brands.

Standard functions include:• On/off • Feedback when the pivot stopped • Direct precipitation adjustment in mm

• Show position of the machine • Low pressure and pressure start • Part circle and sector adjustment

with variable application per sector • Auto reverse with variable applica-

tion on return • Scheduling options, and many more!

All new SENTER360 panels can be con-trolled by your cell phone or tablet (An-droid, IOS and other mobile platforms), computer, or base station by adding a simple plug-in “Communicator” unit of your choice (GPRS/cellular network, Wi-Fi or radio unit). Full pump control, VSD control and feedback are also available on the same system. New panels have full function internet controls, record keeping, graphs, et cetera. Older panel controls can also be re-vived with the Communicator unit but are limited to on/off, direct application adjustment in mm and run and stop feedback communication.

“Last sprinkler” solutionsOne of the common problems with centre pivot irrigators is the regular blockage of the last nozzle. SENTER360 solved this problem in a simple, innovative way, constantly keeping the last nozzle clean throughout the irrigation cycle. SENTER360 centre pivots are equipped as standard with the high- quality, high performance Komet Twister sprinklers operating at 10 psi (0,7 bar) or optional 6 psi (0,42 bar), mounted on drop pipes. This top-qual-ity product ensures outstanding water distribution and water in the soil, even in trying climatic conditions.

Heavy duty motors and gearboxesThe standard drivetrain of a SENTER360 centre pivot is made up of heavy duty wheel gearboxes with an optional five-year extended warranty (Ts&Cs apply), driven by a 0,56 kW (40:1) motor gearbox combination (30:1 and others are optional).

Senter360 is fully capable of negotiating heights or inclines. This pivot runs on sugar cane in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The SENTER360’s reliable and "bullet proof" control system is designed to drive every tower forward at the correct speed for perfect irrigation.

Wheel track problems are something of the past for SENTER360 with this affordable, optional system.


Your SENTER 360 is online...are you?

For best service contact us at +27 (0)18 469 1331or +27 (0)82 564 5955 or www.senter360.co.za

YOU ALREADY TRUST US FOR...• Having the strongest structure in the industry

• Best reliability

• The best sprinkler packages

Our standard control system has comprehensive

cell/internet communication

abilitiesTerms and conditions apply

Saturnia House, Opp. Ndeke Hotel Longacre’s

Tel: +260 211 244 505/6 E-mail: [email protected] www.neriainvestments.com

T H E M O S T A F F O R D A B L E P R I C E S O F CO M P O U N D D A N D U R E A I N T H E CO U N T RY

NERIA’S INVESTMENTS LTDLEADERS IN AGRO COMMODITY TRADING


[email protected] / [email protected]

+260 97 877 2551

+260 97 836 7099

https://www.facebook.com/ZambianIrritech

https://www.instagram.com/irritech_sa/

This highly efficient, and motivated team has all the equipment, and

resources to design, install, service and repair drip, sprinkler, pod,

micro, pivot, and bulk water systems anywhere in Africa.

With the combined experience of over 80 years in

irrigation that our staff possess, we offer a

comprehensive package to all our customers.

Dealer of:

Irritech offers all forms of irrigation and bulk systems. Each project is custom designed, for the most efficient fit to

your operation backed up by a team of experienced technicians and

ample stock of spares.

For all irrigation projects and designs, spares and technical services.

www.irritechsa.co.za


Irrigation made easy part 5:

The labour cost of The labour cost of irrigation and system irrigation and system maintenancemaintenance

An important part of irrigation plan-ning and operation is understanding

how hard a person must work to apply the required amount of water to the crop in the field. On large commercial farms, a single labourer could be used to control an irrigation area of up to 40 hectares. Labour intensive systems could, however, require two to three la-bourers per hectare to properly irrigate the field. Labour usage is important regardless of the size or type of irriga-tion system used. A commercial farmer must under-stand the cost implications of maintain-ing a labour team merely to operate the irrigation system. For a small-scale farmer who only irrigates a small area, it is equally important to understand how much time will be spent each day to operate the irrigation system and if there is enough time left to sched-ule other important activities such as weeding, spraying for pests, harvesting and marketing. A farmer who, for example, grows kiwi fruit on a vine and harvests at regular intervals throughout the fruit-ing season will still need to continue ir-rigating, weeding and performing other normal farming operations throughout the harvest period. Therefore, a farmer must know how much time is needed to perform each task and plan a sched-ule for daily activities. For a large-scale or commercial farmer, labour usage would typically be indicated in terms of the number of people needed to irrigate a 10 hectare block, or the entire system. This will impact directly on the labour compo-nent of running costs for the system

Resting

Harvesting and marketing

Irrigation

Weeding and spraying

Figure 1: A pie chart of the different stages in a field in crop production.

Figure 2: Labour availability can be managed according to fields or hectares.

Figure 3: Scheduling goes hand in hand with effective labour manage-ment.

and on the availability of labour to perform other tasks. Labour requirements have a differ-ent implication for the market gardener or small-scale farmer. It is important to schedule all tasks and activities for the day. Labour requirements will more typically be expressed in terms of the amount of time normally needed for one person to irrigate one hectare when crop water demands are at a peak. This, in turn defines the time available for other tasks.

System maintenanceEvery irrigation system needs regular maintenance. How complex or difficult maintenance tasks are likely to be, the amount of labour (with different levels of skill) that is needed to perform these tasks, the cost of equipment and spare parts, the frequency of mainte-nance operations and the availability of

technical support can each make a big difference to the viability of an irriga-tion system. Maintenance is important. Poor main-tenance will allow an irrigation system to degrade. Water distribution

Irrigation

12

6

39


Patrick MoongaLusaka

Mobile: +260 (0) 978 386660Office: +260 (0) 211 [email protected]

Rhino 300

Greenkeeper 200 Sportsman 120

Rainmaker 200 4x4

The most versatile irrigation system on the market

Rainmaker 200

www.rotrixafrica.co.zaCane Master 300 Hose Master 50/100

Clubman 100


Use the right number of labourers for the job at hand. Photo: futurepump.com.

Figure 4: Check your nozzles for wear and tear on a regular basis.

Check sprinkler nozzles for wear and replace nozzles that is worn.

Distribution patterns change due to gradual worn.

Sprinkler

Every 28 Days

Figure 5: Keep your operations manual near your toolbox.

Sprinkler nozzles are a sensitive part of your system and need regular check-ups.

and irrigation efficiency will suffer. A typical maintenance task is the regular check-ing of sprinkler nozzles for wear. If a nozzle is worn, more water will escape from the nozzle at normal operat-ing pressures. The distribu-tion pattern of water around the sprinkler will change. Less water will be available to other sprinklers in the system. The pump will not work as efficiently. Energy costs will increase, irrigation efficiency will drop and crop production will decrease. Regularly check sprinkler

nozzles for wear and replace worn nozzles with new nozzles of the correct size and type. Each type of irrigation system will naturally have a list of maintenance operations that must be carried out on a routine basis to ensure that the system continues to function correctly. It is important that each irrigation farmer should have an operations manual for his system that details maintenance tasks, and a toolbox that contains all the tools and equipment needed to perform routine maintenance tasks. A farmer should also maintain a contact list of people who can be ap-proached for advice or assistance with specific problems that may be encoun-tered when operating the system.

Next month we shall look at sched-uling water use.

This series is published with ac-knowledgement to the ARC Agricul-tural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.


• HIGH GERMINATION• TRUE TO TYPE• DISEASE FREE• SEALED AIRTIGHT TO PRESERVE QUALITY

STARKE AYRESSEEDS ARE:

Contact us on 0977-740-180 (Office line) or Mark Stokes on 0965-901-233 email: [email protected]


Time is money. If you irrigate hun-dreds of hectares, frequent trips

to and from pivots to manually switch them on and off, change their direction or regulate their water application, can take a lot of costly time and effort. Philip Nicolle and his team at Kakulu Farms located in Kapiri Mposhi, about 200 kilometres from Lusaka, control the irrigation of their wheat, maize and soya beans accurately from the comfort of their office or homes using a mobile phone or laptop. AGRICO, a South Afri-can company made it possible for them to achieve this. Kakulu Farms is part of Ellocin Estates Limited that have been operational for the past two years. AGRICO recently installed Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) with internet con-trol on their pumps. The Advanced RAIN control panels on their centre pivots al-low for the precise control of the speed, pressure, and water distribution in their fields. On top of this, automatic dam level control is also part of the system. Using a mobile phone or laptop, Philip or any member of his team can send in-structions to any of the 12 centre pivots on the system – commanding them to stop or start, increase or reduce speed or turn around. These actions can also be pre-programmed. The pumps will then automatically react to the require-ments of the irrigation system. Philip explains that the efficiency of the system enables a farmer to supply a crop with the ideal quantity of water at every stage of its growth. "We have been using this system for three months now and the experience is absolutely fantastic, it is phenomenal.

It is a major breakthrough, it is ex-citing because it is so easy to manage our irrigation," Philip explains. "The whole irrigation system on thisfarm is now fully automated." Farm Workshop Manager, Joseph Phiri, who oversees the operation of the system, explains how the automation helps preserve water and reduce labour. "From the pumps, water comes into the reservoir which automatically cuts off the supply once it fills up. With that there is no wastage of water or labour for someone to come and switch it off manually," Phiri explains. From the reservoir, pumps that are fully managed with remote control, feed the pivots. The duration for a centre pivot to complete a full circle varies from 10 hours on full speed, to a week at its slowest speed. Poor internet connectivity and erratic power supply are, however, challenges

Invest in efficient irrigation supported by a helpful and knowledgeable manufacturer. Contact Alfred Andrag on +27-82-824-1214, +27-21-950-4111, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

they have to deal with. "It's hard to enjoy the development and the successful running of our enter-prise with interruptions," Philip says. Fortunately, Agrico thought of these problems as well. The system can continue to run safely, even with interrupted internet coverage. When a power failure occurs, the system can be programmed to start-up again in a safe manner. If you choose to restart manually, being able to do it remotely with the whole system accessible on one user friendly interface, saves a lot of time. Philip says AGRICO is always avail-able for maintenance and consultation when things go wrong. "Our team was able to build up this farm in a truly short time, which would have been impossible without Agrico. Their commitment and excitement to be part of the journey has been the most rewarding thing to us," he says.

Agrico offers precise Agrico offers precise irrigation, effortlesslyirrigation, effortlessly

Kakulu Farms’ Workshop Manager, Joseph Phiri, with an AGRICO centre pivot.

The six pumps at the reservoir on Kakulu Farms provide water to the pivot irrigation systems.

Kakulu Farms’ proprietor, Philip Nicolle, in the pump station with the VSDs, managing the supply into the pivot irrigation system.

Kakulu Farms’ Workshop Manager, Joseph Phiri, explains how the irrigation works on the farm.

by Salim Dawood, ProAgri Zambia


says: Pivot beats drip system

Pivots typically cost between US$584 and US$993 per hec-tare. The bigger the system, the cheaper it gets per hectare.

The 50 000 emitters on a 50 ha drip system requires considerably more dedicated management than centre pivots. And that doesn’t even take into account the filter, drip lines, system controls, and higher pressure pumpsets needed.

Installing a drip system is difficult. You must choose tape depth care-fully to allow cultivation practices without damaging the drip tape.

A drip system’s lifespan ranges normally between 7 and 10 years and can be drastically shortened through mechanical damage due to cultivation or blockages.

You must constantly monitor drip system filters, then flush or change them when necessary to prevent significantlylower crop yields.

Subsurface drip systems cannot stimulate seed germination if the drip tape is placed below the root zone. Some drip irrigators also use sprinklers for germina-tion.

With a drip systems you must perodically apply chemicals to dissolve mineral concentrations and kill roots that could block the dripper.

Drip irrigation causes salt to accu-mulate at the dividing line between the irrigated zone and the non-irri-gated zone in the soil, so that the soil becomes salinised over time. Eventually, a sprinkler system will have to flush the accumulated salt to below the crop root zone for the field to remain fertile.

Pests can attack vulnerable drip tape and cause leaks. It takes a lot of time and money to combat these pests.

With a drip system, crop rota-tion is difficult because of the predetermined row spacing.

The use of high strength steel makes a Reinke system both tough and dependable. That is why Reinke is the irrigation system of choice of farmers all over the world for more than 60 years now. A Reinke irrigation system pays

Mechanised irrigation systems are the leading method of crop irrigation in many agricultural areas around the world. Mechanised irrigation systems are steadily replacing traditional flood irrigation and other types of sprinklers, as well as subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). Irrigation conversions are often made to cut down on farm labour costs but, as an added benefit, mechanised irrigation systems are also highly ef-ficient, with up to 95% efficiency in water application uniformity.

Three reasons to choose mechanised irrigation:1. Mechanised irrigation systems cost

less, last longer and retain their value. Your initial investment for a centre pivot is much smaller than for a drip irrigation system.

2. You can cut down on labour costs and save time with a mechanised irrigation system. One person can run multiple machines covering hundreds of hectares using remote management.

3. A mechanised irrigation system can be used on virtually any crop and has a higher application ef-ficiency than drip irrigation. Apply-ing the correct quantity of water at the right time is crucial to achiev-ing a good yield, but it is also important to apply it uniformly and at precisely the right quantity.

Reinke is at the leading edge of farm-ing technology. Our remote manage-ment systems, variable rate irrigation technology and sprinkler efficiency make a centre pivot the right choice for your operation. The long life of a pivot or lateral system will save you money year after year. You will use less water, reducing your energy costs, and at the same time increase your yields.

Contact Patrick Ellis, director, Reinke South Africa, at +27-31-350-4525, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

itself many times over during its lifespan, and will provide proper water application at the right time to every part of your field throughout the growing season, to ensure winning yields.

Drip systems cost 20 to 100% more than pivots depending on line spacing and total size.

The 150 sprinklers on a 50 ha centre pivot installation are eas-ily maintained with convenient system control. You can easily see when a sprinkler isn’t operating properly, unlike with a drip system that is buried underground.

Pivot installation is an easy and standardised process.

There is little or no filtering when using a pivot or linear system.

Water from the sprinkler heads on a pivot comes down over the whole soil profile like rain, causing seeds to germinate. In fact, pivots can easily be fitted with a dual sprinkler package – one for germi-nation and one for irrigation.

The sprinklers on a pivot are visible at all times, so plugging and leaking are not problems.

Overhead sprinklers distribute wa-ter evenly over the surface, which irrigates the crop and leaches the salts in the soil to below the root zone.

Pests cannot easily damage the steel structure and spray nozzles of a centre pivot.

A typical Reinke pivot has a life-span of more than 25 years. The first Reinke pivot ever built – in 1968 – is still in operation today!

Crop rotation offers noproblem with a pivot.

INITIAL COST

DRIP IRRIGATION PIVOT

LIFESPAN

FILTER MAINTE-NANCE

GERMINA-TION

PLUGGING AND LEAK-

ING

SOIL SALI-NATION

PESTS

CROP ROTATION


For more information, contact the author: [email protected], Head of Marketing Southern Africa and Seeds E2E.

The agricultural industry is surely the first barrier in the fight against

climate change since farmers have to mitigate nature with all its quirks to produce food, while simultaneously hav-ing to make a profit to stay in the game. Farmers everywhere have also had to deal with unparalleled upheaval because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A survey of European farmers found 46% said their businesses had been signifi-cantly impacted by Covid-19. However, 53% said climate change was still the immediate priority and 63% agreed that over the next five years, climate change would have a greater impact on their businesses than Covid-19. A global survey conducted of large-scale farmers in the USA, France, China, Brazil, India and across Africa by Ipsos MORI for Syngenta Group, found 72% are worried about the im-pact climate change will have on crop yields, animal health and their ability to do business over the next five years. More than four in five farmers surveyed believe climate change has had at least some impact on their ability to grow food and most (59%) believe reducing greenhouse gas emissions would make their farms more financially stable or competitive. Syngenta needs no introduction and has already been in this game for the past 250 years. They employ 48 000 people across more than 100 countries and influence the way most farmers conduct their operations. Their innova-tive products and regular technological breakthroughs in crop production are praiseworthy. They are playing a vital role in enabling the food chain to feed the world safely, sustainably and with respect for our planet. Syngenta Group CEO, Erik Fyrwald says post-Covid-19 agriculture needs accelerated innovation to recover faster in order to fight climate change. Being proactive, Syngenta took the ini-tiative to find a solution to this double

whammy. The group recently launched a new Good Growth Plan, placing the fight against climate change and biodi-versity loss at the core of agriculture’s recovery from the economic and social effects of the Covid-19 restrictions. The new Good Growth Plan includes bold new commitments to reduce agricul-ture’s carbon footprint and to help farmers deal with the extreme weather patterns caused by climate change. “Since its launch, the Good Growth Plan’s principles and priorities have be-come deeply embedded in the way we do business at Syngenta,” Erik says. “This plan was of course, just the start. Covid-19 has revealed the fragility of the agriculture ecosystem. Another threat that must be addressed before it is too late is climate change. As the economy and agriculture begin to build back up with the gradual easing of the Covid-19 restrictions, we need to sup-port a recovery plan for farmers that puts the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss at its core.” Syngenta can boast about the results of the targets set for the first Good Growth Plan in 2013. In fact, they achieved or exceeded all the targets, including bringing more than 14 million hectares of farmland back from the brink of degradation and enhancing biodiversity on more than 8 million hectares of farmland worldwide.

Under the new Good Growth Plan, Syngenta Group is committed to invest US$2 billion in sustainable agriculture by 2025 and to deliver two technologi-cal breakthroughs to the market each year. The specific commitments in the new plan are divided into four areas:• Accelerate innovation for farmers

and nature• Strive for carbon neutral agriculture• Help people stay safe and healthy• Partnering for impact

Syngenta’s commitment has been validated and endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). They recently signed up to SBTi’s commit-ment to prevent a global temperature rise of over 1,5 degrees. The empowerment of farmers in developing regions is also at the helm of these projects. One example of their empowerment of farmers is in the coffee industry in Colombia. Syngenta aims to help smallholders increase their incomes by 25% by tackling the coffee borer beetle. Another example is the partnership Syngenta established with The Nature Conservancy in October 2019 on the Reverte project in Brazil, which aims to regenerate one million hectares of degraded farmland over the next five years. Jennifer Morris, Chief Executive Of-ficer at The Nature Conservancy said: “Climate change and biodiversity loss, coupled with growing demand for food, are putting increasing pressures on the planet and eroding the productivity and resilience of farms, ranches, and fish-eries around the world. We are pleased to collaborate with Syngenta Group on the ambitious pursuit of a food system that works in partnership with nature.”

A recent survey points out the concerns farmers have about climate change.

Helping farmers. Fighting climate change.Syngenta launches Good Growth Plan


which covers approximately 46% of South Africa. At General Motors, he was responsi-ble for the launch of the Hummer and Cadillac vehicles and agencies in South Africa. Billy's recipe for good business is good customer service. "The way people buy pickups has changed. We must be customisable to satisfy the customer and provide the type of service he expects,” Billy explains. The responsibilities of the Isuzu SA CEO in-volve managing all the divisions of the company. That includes the Isuzu plant in Port Elizabeth where the vehicles are built, up to the service the local Isuzu dealer provides to his customers. People should remember that Isuzu as a company is only two years old, since GM withdrew from the country in 2017. In response, Isuzu decided to establish itself as a company in its own right, based on the principles of service delivery and personalised customer service. Isuzu pickups are developed and tested in South Africa and are consequently perfectly suited for the conditions in Africa. Billy is looking forward to working with the farmers of South Africa to en-sure that Isuzu remains the first choice when it comes to a durable workhorse on the farm, reliable transport of live-stock and other farm products, and a convenient family vehicle. “I have a passion for the farming community, because I grew up on a farm." One of the highlights Billy is

A complete understanding of the farmer's circumstances and needs,

with a smart business mind that always comes up with a plan, to provide the best service – that is Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors South Africa's new CEO. Farming is part of Billy’s DNA. He grew up on the farm, Niekerkshope, near Alexandria, in the Eastern Cape in South Africa, where his parents were farm workers. From an early age, Billy learned to drive on the farm and obtained his heavy vehicle license while still in high school. With this paper in his pocket, he drove trucks during school holidays for an extra income. This is where he cultivated a love for vehicles and the vehicle industry. Billy's first steps on the road to suc-cess was the six miles he walked to school and back every day. After school, he obtained a BCom degree at Rhodes University and later, a master’s degree in business management at UNISA. His first job was at Distill and from there, SABMiller. He furthered his ca-reer at Standard Bank, General Motors and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa / Abi, where he played a key role in introducing new products to the public. He was also responsible for manag-ing the central region of the company,

Farm lad takes the lead at Isuzu SA

Farmers can look forward to a new Isuzu pickup range to be launched in South Africa and Sub-Saharan markets from 2021.

Billy Tom was appointed as the new CEO of Isuzu Motors SA on June 1 and he officially got behind the wheel on July 1.

Every Isuzu pickup's road starts here at the plant in Port Elizabeth. Strict measures are kept in place to ensure the production of the highest quality vehicles.

looking forward to, is to treat farmers to the new generation Isuzu pickups, which will be launched in the second half of 2021. Billy also tells about Isuzu’s great plans to further strengthen its presence in key Sub-Saharan Africa markets. With Billy Tom in charge and the new models to be released soon, farmers have a lot to look forward to.

Good news for farmers:

by Jaco Cilliers

Stay in touch with your local Isuzu dealer to choose the right pickup for your farm at the best price.


Tel: ( + 260 ) 211 256 649

[email protected] / www.rolandtobacco.com Nangwenya Road, Lusaka

Roland Imperial Tobacco is an indigenous Zambian owned company that was incorporated in 2001 to manufacture, trade and sell

cigarettes and other tobacco related products. The company is effectively administered via two autonomous divisions which are both headed by a General Manager. The two divisions are Manufacturing Division and Trading Division. The overall head of RITCO is the

Executive Chairman who is also the Chief Executive Officer. RITCO limited boasts of the first cigarette manufacturing plant in Zambia located in Lusaka. Roland Imperial Tobacco brands are manufactured locally and use the finest of locally grown tobacco blends, giving

them a high quality and fresh taste. Zambia grows some of the best tobaccos in the world. Roland Imperial Tobacco (RITCO) established a cigarette manufacturing plant in Lusaka and commenced production of the LIFE and

GUARDS brands of cigarettes which come in two variants, these being LIFE FULL FLAVOUR and LIFE MENTHOL packed in hard hinged-lid packs 20s and also in 2s; GUARDS FULL FLAVOUR and GUARDS MENTHOL packed in soft packs 20s. The factory is currently situated along Kafue Road on Plot No. F397A/D11TT and has three production lines with a combined installed capacity of 21,000 sticks per minute.

The tobacco processing plant comprises a green leaf threshing plant and a primary processing plant, with a capacity to process 4-tonnes of tobacco per hour. Roland Imperial Tobacco focuses on building customer relations. We believe customers are at the core of

our business and are the most valued stake holders. We offer customers good prices, variety product mix and efficient and effective Sales team that meet their needs and requirements.


To learn more about RITCO and the tobacco trade in Zambia, call +26(0)21-125-6649, or e-mail [email protected], or visit their page at www.rolandtobacco.com.

Tobacco farmers reap benefits with RITCO Tobacco is one of the most impor-

tant agricultural commodities in Zambia. The tobacco industry contrib-utes hundreds of millions of Kwacha in excise duty and VAT to the govern-ment per year. The cigarette market is as a result intrinsically linked to the country’s economic performance. Production reached a peak of 1,5 billion pieces/sticks in 2013 due to the strong Zambian economy and the introduction of the minimum wage. The Zambian market consumes around 3 billion sticks and has been recording annual growth of 30% in the last four years. Of the Zambian popula-tion, 12,2% smoke as of 2014, which is relatively high for an African nation. Market volume stands at 1,4 billion pieces as of 2015. There are only two major players in the Tobacco industry in Zambia, vis-a-vis British American Tobacco and Roland Imperial Tobacco Com-pany (RITCO). RITCO is an indigenous Zambian owned company registered under Zambian company laws. The company was incorporated in 2001 to manufacture and sell cigarettes, and other tobacco related products. The company comprises of two divisions, namely the manufacturing and trading division, which are autonomous. RITCO has since increased its investment in cigarette manufacturing to US$30 mil-lion, as per investment licence, with the Zambian Development Agency, in addition to obtaining the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA), with the Zambian government. This cigarette manufacturer has a Zambian market share of 35% and en-deavours to increase it through expand-ing its portfolio and market reach. They are also working on expanding their markets to neighbouring countries.

Furthermore, RITCO is ISO certified by the Zambian Bureau of Standards with ZS ISO 9001:2008, for quality management systems. A further investment of US$50 mil-lion has been made in the upstream tobacco processing industry such as the Primary Manufacturing Department (PMD) to produce Cutrag and Green Leaf Threshing Plant (GLT). It has been established through a sister company, known as Zambian Cutrag Processors Limited. Though autonomous, they will be the main supplier of Cutrag to Roland Imperial Tobacco Limited.The above companies operate from the RITCO tobacco processing industrial complex located on a seven-hectare in-dustrial land in the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone. The construction of the industrial complex and relocation was com-pleted in 2018. The factory now has an installed capacity to produce 21 000 cigarettes per minute, with a running time of 15 hours per day. The state-of-the-art machinery, sourced from the manufacturers of the best and most robust cigarette manu-facturing equipment in the world, has a capacity of seven billion cigarettes per annum. This entails them to be regarded as a world class cigarette producer. The introduction of high-level tech-nology has enabled RITCO to establish training programmes, from which many Zambians continue to benefit, in a bid to produce the much-needed skilled labour. With increased investments, more jobs are being created based on the growth projections of the company. RITCO has wide ranging programmes on corporate social responsibility, with financial and material support, almost being doubled year in, year out. Fur-

ther plans to increase the brand port-folio includes an OK brand of cigarettes and Life Lights, which is targeted at the mid to premium segment. Among new developments, the Life Full Flavour and Life Menthol brands have recently been migrated from Soft Cup to Hinge-Lid or hard packs. This is following tremendous growth of the brand’s equity in the market, enabling the brand to now compete favourably in the value to mid segment. This, how-ever, has left room for Guards Full Fla-vour, Guards Menthol and Zambezi Cut Tobacco to take up and fill up that void in the value segment which has shown great potential, following the launch of these new products. In addition to the cigarettes men-tioned, RITCO introduced its very own ‘roll your own’ Zambezi Cut Tobacco, catering to the segment of smokers that prefer to prepare their own ciga-rettes, as opposed to the conventional stick. Their brands are manufactured lo-cally and use the finest of locally grown tobacco blends, giving them a high quality and fresh cigarette taste. The use of locally grown tobacco, produced by diligent Zambian farmers and the reduction of excise duty on locally manufactured cigarettes has allowed for RITCO brands to be competitively priced, thereby, giving them an advan-tage over its competitors who import cigarettes. RITCO focuses on building customer relations. They believe customers are at the core of their business and are the most valued stakeholders. They offer customers good prices, a variety of product mixes and efficient and an effective sales team that meets their needs and requirements. It is impor-tant for RITCO to conduct after-sales support as this provides an opportunity for the organisation to understand the customer challenges and share the success experienced by customers. Periodically, RITCO conducts trade recognition parties where their cus-tomers can interact with RITCO em-ployees. It is through such platforms that RITCO strengthens and develops the relationship with its customers. After-sales support is also provided to customers through merchandising of the RITCO products at point-of-sale by the RITCO trained sales force. Poster placements, and the issuing of free-bies such as T-shirts and caps help to create identification of RITCO products with the customers.


Composting and composting systems Part 2:

Compost ing mater ialsCompost ing mater ialsA compost heap is much more so-

phisticated and sensitive than one would think. To ensure a highly effec-tive system and to get optimum yields, it is important to pick and choose the materials you add to your compost heap very wisely. The materials that should be part of your system are:

Grass/lawn clippingsIt is preferred to leave grass clippings out in the sun to dry first before using them in compost, because they form a mat that does not aerate. If green grass clippings are used, it should be in limited quantities and it should be mixed with some brown material first.

HayHay is an excellent material to use in composting. The greener the hay, the richer it is in nitrogen. Hay should be well moistened before adding it to the compost heap.

LeavesLeaves are one of the best and com-postable materials to use. Leaves will lose over 75% of their volume when composted, so what seems like a big pile in the beginning will be much less in the end. Care must be taken because leaves may cause matting down. Prevent matting by shredding the leaves with a lawnmower before putting them into the heap.

Kitchen wastesSome kitchen wastes such as fruit and vegetable peels, tea bags, coffee grounds and eggshells are excellent composting materials. Avoid compost-ing meat scraps and milk products as they attract pests that may cause problems in the home and in the fields. As kitchen waste contains enough

moisture, it is recommended that you mix it with dryer materials such as sawdust and hay.

ManureIf composted, horse, cattle, sheep and poultry manure can be very useful to the crops or garden. It is not advisable to apply fresh manure to crops or gar-dens, as it can burn the plants. Manure will accelerate composting because it heats up the compost heap.

Hay


Livestock manure

Sawdust from chemically treated wood will pose a problem in your compost heap.

Don’t throw bones in your compost heap.

StrawStraw is a good aerator of a compost heap and helps "greens" to decompose quickly. Straw that has been used as bedding material in stables breaks down even faster, because of its com-bined structure with manure.

Wood chips and sawdustWood chips must be as small as pos-sible, otherwise it may take too long to decompose. Be careful with chemically treated wood, because it could be add-

In next month’s issue we shall learn how to build a compost heap.

We thank the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa for the material they provided for the readers of Zambia. For more information visit their website www.arc.agric.za.

ing toxic substances such as arsenic to the compost heap.

What not to compost: Chemically treated wooden productsSawdust can be a very harmful composting material if it is produced from chemically treated wood. Toxic elements such as arsenic, chro-mium and copper can be found in treated woods and will leak into the compost treated soil. Care must be taken when sawdust is used and you should know the history of the ma-terials before considering it for the compost heap.

Diseased plantsInsect-infected or diseased plants may cause a problem if they are not fully composted. The disease can be transmitted to the crops.

Human wasteIt requires temperatures higher than normal in the compost pile to kill pathogens and diseases in human faeces. These diseases can be car-ried over in compost with very harm-ful effects. It is better to avoid using human faeces in the compost heap.

Meat, bones and fatty food wastesThe decomposition of these materi-als takes a considerable time and are therefore not advisable to use in a compost heap. These materials also attract pests like rats, especially in urban areas. This could be harmful to the crops and a pest in the household. Another problem is the odour given off by these materials.

Pernicious weedsSome plants like ivy, morning glory and some kinds of grasses can react in the compost heap. When chopped, new growth occurs. Some of these weeds also have seeds and if not killed by the heat in the compost heap, they will germinate in the soil of the compost.

Pet wastesDog and cat faeces may contain diseases harmful to humans and should not even be considered for a compost heap.

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In our previous article, we focused on the yield advantages of SeedCo’s SC

647, even when it is grown in limiting environments. We reported on a 2019-2020 season yield that averaged 11,5 tonnes per hectare, harvested from a 50 hectares field by a farmer in Cop-perbelt Province. From this farmer’s experience, we highlighted two major yield advantages he gained by choos-ing SC 647.

These were:• 3,5 tonnes extra yields over and

above his fertilisation target, in soil with a pH of 5,5. His input pro-gramme targeted 8 tonnes, so the 3,5 tonnes excess that made his extra profits was a bonus, credited to variety choice and good manage-ment practices.

• The excellent grain quality in a sea-son that delivered 1 550 mm of rain, with half of that pouring down dur-ing the crop’s reproductive, maturity and dry-down phases. You will agree that 800 mm more rain is a cause for worry for a crop that is early to medium maturity and is at grain fill stage. But the SC 647 received it with joy.

This article highlights the two environ-mental factors that would impact/limit the yields and quality of your grain maize.

These are: i. Soil pH and ii. Precipitation/rainfall quantities and

distribution over a season.

Soil pH is simply an indication of the

acidity or alkalinity of a soil environ-ment. It is measured in pH units, hence its definition being the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion con-centration in a soil or water sample. The scale of measure runs from 0 to 14, with 7 as the neutral, and 0 to 6,9 being the acid scale, and 7 to 14 being the alkaline scale. The pH of a soil has an impact (positive or negative) on the fertility of the soil, and consequently, on its ability to maximise yield poten-tial of a crop. Many studies, including one summa-rised in table 1 above, have illustrated how soil pH impacts on plant available nutrients. Table 2 illustrates soil acidity (pH Level) and its impact on the uptake of mineral nutrients by plants, with a special focus on N, P and K.

The two tables above can be used to work out the quantity of fertiliser lost when a crop is produced in a soil envi-ronment with a pH scale below 6. Soil acidification is caused by one or a com-bination of these three major factors:• Natural acidification: The dissolv-

ing of atmospheric carbon dioxide in rainwater to form a carbonic acid. The carbonic acid reacts with soil and its parent material, and depend-ing on the intensity of the reaction, the soil and parent material are stripped of bases and silica. This leaves hydroxides of aluminium and iron, and mostly at levels that are toxic to plant roots.

• Acid deposition: The combination of nitrogen and sulphur gases released from industry, with rainwater to form nitric and sulphuric acids. These acids become a source of hydrogen ions that drive the process of acidification of soils in regions like the Copperbelt and Northern Provinces of Zambia where we re-ceive high rainfall and have a lot of industrial activity.

• Fertilisation: Ammonium-containing fertilisers such as urea, anhydrous ammonia, and ammonium salts that are applied to mostly cereal crops contribute to soil acidity. Good agronomy practices such as crop rotation and corrective liming are recommended to keep the acid scale at acceptable levels.

If you are looking for a rewarding crop of maize, SeedCo will make your farm a home of bumper harvests by helping you to make the right seed choice. Contact SeedCo at [email protected] or +26(0)96-795-8009 for advice.

SeedCo explains the impact of yield limiting factors on maize by Adrian Chibanga

Soil acidity (pH Level) 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0 6,5 6,8

Nitrogen (%) 30 43 77 89 100 100

Phosphorus (%) 23 31 48 52 100 100

Potassium (%) 33 52 77 100 100 100

Table 1: pH Scale and mineral nutrient availability.

Figure 1: Rainfall/maize yield rela-tionship (Southern Province Zambia).

SC 647 maize at Triple S Ranch.

Sulphur

Table 2: N, P, K availability/uptake in a pH scale of 4,5 to 6,8.

This acidic condition was prevalent in the soil environment where the SC 647 was planted at Triple S Ranch in Mufulira last season (2019/2020). The pH was at 5,5, and the farmer’s NPK fertilisation was targeted for a yield of 8 tonnes per hectare. Ordinarily, a variety that is not tolerant to soil acid should have been giving the farmer yields ranging between 6 and 7 tonnes per hectare, but the SC 647 proved to be both acid tolerant and very efficient at utilising soil reserve nutrients, and provided the farmer with a 3,5 to 5 tonne yield advantage.

Rainfall/precipitation amounts and distributionPlants are generally described as be-ing composed of 75% water and 25% dry matter. Therefore, the role that water plays in crop production between seeding and harvesting is critical and can be the reason for higher or lower yields. Most maize crops can grow on quantities between 350 and 800 mm of rainfall, depending on the maturity group, rainfall distribution and soil structure. The critical stages of water requirement by the maize plant are crop establishment, flowering, and grain fill. Drought imposed moisture stress during these phases have resulted in significant yield reductions before. Figure 1 above shows a relationship between yield and rainfall records ob-tained in the Southern Province over a period of 15 years. SeedCo has worked hard to release maize varieties such as SC 303 that will maximise yields with rainfall as low as 300 mm over a period of three months. The case of above normal rainfall could cause a limit on yield and grain quality of maize, but the SC 647 has proven to be the seed solution not only for our customers at Triple S, who recently gained 2 to 5 tonnes per hectare more in a 1 550 mm season. The variety has pleased a whole lot of customers beyond our borders, including in the high rainfall areas of the DRC.


In this last edition of the baler se-ries, we wrap up the section on

big square balers with a few loose, but important points.

The bale accumulatorA bale accumulator can be attached to

Photo: Pixabay.

The operation and application of medium and big square balers Part 9:

The bale accumulator, control system and maintenance

the back of a big square baler and runson two castor wheels. The accumula-tor is operated in such a way that two bales can be stacked upon each other and left on the field to be transportedafterwards. This makes handling of the bales much easier and quicker (see

Pictures 1 and 2). The bales are pushed through the bale chamber and slideinto the base of the accumulator first. Slide plates on the upper deck are thenput in place to accommodate the sec-ond bale at the top. The bales are hydraulically released


Picture 2: Big bales are loaded by tractors equipped with huge grippers for transport purposes.

Picture 1: Castor wheels make it possible for the accumulator to follow the baler. The baler and accumulator must always be in a straight line.


from the accumulator and picked up with a tractor and special handling equipment for transportation. A mirror is mounted at the back of the accu-mulator so that the driver can see the movement of the bales.

Electronic monitoring and control systemAn electronic display system is placed inside the tractor’s cab for monitor-ing all major machine functions, for example:• Bale length• Bale counting• Bale density• Twine sensors• Plunger overload warning• Packer fingers overload warning• PTO speed(See Picture 3)

SpecificationsThe specifications for the different big square balers vary, but on average the following specifications are applicable:• Power requirement (kW): 74 to 112• Pick-up speed (rpm): 1 000• Number of knotters: 4 to 6• Bale height (m): 0,5 to 0,8• Bale width (m): 0,8 to 1,2• Bale length (m): 0,7 to 2,5• Bale weight (kg): 393 to 496• Twine consumption per 2,5 m bale

(m): 26 to 40• Plunger strokes/min: 36 to 64

Picture 3: An electronic display and control system inside a tractor cab.

• Twine storage (no of balls): 16 to 24• Machine weight (kg): 6 200 to 7 000• Windrow width (m): 2• Windrow height (m): 0,2 to 0,5• Sisal twine (m/kg): 70• Synthetic twine (m/kg): 130 to 200

MaintenanceAlthough many of these big square bal-ers have their own onboard lubrication systems, it is important to consult an expert as well as the operator’s manual to ensure that all the components are


Next month we shall start a new series on rotary tillers.

We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa who made the information on square balers available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.

Picture 4: Proper training is crucial before operating a big square baler.

lubricated and properly adjusted at the beginning of the baling season (see Picture 4). The combination of safety devices and electrical monitoring of key functions will also prevent dam-age to the baler and minimise wasteful downtime.

Storage• Store the baler in a proper shed

after cleaning it thoroughly.• Lubricate the parts where lubrica-

tion is needed.• Clean the knotter mechanism and

apply a coating of grease.• Clean all chains by washing them

with diesel fuel.• Dry the chains well and coat them

with oil.• Repaint surfaces where paint has

worn off.• Do not paint the inside of the bale

chamber, but coat it with a thin layer of grease.


Falcon and Amazone:Falcon and Amazone:

Original parts ensure long-term safety and performance

Find your Falcon original spare parts at your nearest Falcon dealer or phone +27(0)-33-330-5787 for original Amazone parts. For more information visit www.falconequipment.co.za to view the original spare parts from Falcon and Amazone that you can trust to keep your implements going.

Falcon runs its own spare parts divi-sion and is the exclusive supplier of

all original Falcon and Amazone spare parts through their authorised network of dealers. This enhances the dependa-bility of their implements and minimises downtime for the farmer. Falcon and Amazone original spare parts are designed, manufactured, and tested according to the same exacting standards as their finished products. The quality, durability and innovation which has built the reputation for these brands in the marketplace is a result of the high level of quality control, test-ing, technical expertise, and manufac-turing experience where the products are built and assembled. The original parts are scrutinised to these same high standards, ensuring that when you buy an original part, you are buying into the same quality and principles of the finished product. A pirate part may look the same, but it is not!

Why use Falcon and Amazone original parts?• Superior quality & performance.

The superior quality of Falcon and Amazone original parts will ensure your implement will maintain its level of performance, reliability, and safety.

• Seamless integration with implement. Original parts are

Buying original spare parts also means that you are buying peace of mind. All original spare parts from Falcon are quality tested to ensure that the farmer receives only the best.

the ideal solution for the care and maintenance of your implement because they comply with the original technical specifications of the product, which ensures seam-less integration, maximum safety, and performance.

• Increased lifespan of the part and implement. The use of original parts will also maximise the lifespan of your implement and

reduce the frustration and cost of downtime as a result of equipment failing.

• Validity of product warranty. To ensure the validity of your product warranty it is imperative to use original parts.

• Reduce revenue loss from downtime. The seamless integra-tion with the implement will ensure the implement is operating again as quickly as possible, and the improved quality of using original parts will ensure you have fewer product failures and downtime.

• Excellent customer service and support. Their excellent customer service and in-house parts team ensure that any parts that are not kept by the dealer, are obtained quickly and efficiently to minimise downtime for their end users.

Part number diagrams are available on the Falcon website to ensure quick and easy reference and identification. Authorised spare part dealers are well-trained and keep stock of the most commonly required parts. Falcon builds implements that last and still supplies parts for implements that are older than 30 years. They manu-facture and keep parts for implements long after they have been discontinued. Falcon or Amazone parts and components are, wherever possible, branded to give customers the assur-ance that the parts have been sourced or produced by Falcon/Amazone. This ensures differentiation between their original parts and substitute (pirate) parts in the marketplace.

Falcon keeps all their authorised dealers stocked with enough spare parts to keep farmers farming with-out interruptions.

Choosing Falcon Original Parts™ will ensure you are buying genuine, long lasting original parts from Falcon.


25 - 27AUG 2020

InnovationAgricultureFuture

THEME:

Contact Us:Johanna: +260973578051/ Moono: +260974114191

Website: www.meetthefarmerszm.org

Email: [email protected]

EVENT DATES

Where the Farmers meets the suppliers & buyers meet the Farmers

i r t u a l S u m m i t & E x h i b i t i o n


An exciting phenomenon that was born out of online conferencing is

virtual exhibitions. This is a daring ven-ture where a novel concept needs to be conquered, but in the spirit of the data and information age, it might be here to stay. Zambia has launched their first vir-tual summit, Meet the Farmers, which will take place from the 25th to 27th of August 2020 – an online conference and exhibition designed to bring agri-cultural players together on one virtual platform. The platform will link farmers and various input suppliers in Zambia and the region, while giving farmers an opportunity to gain information on cur-rent trends and technologies that are practiced in the agriculture sector. Zambian Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Michael Katambo said the summit is vital in boosting the under-standing of modern agricultural prac-tices and technologies to boost pro-ductivity. Considering that the annual Lusaka Agricultural Show and Agritech in Chisamba were cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Mr Katambo said the summit will fill the gap in the market and provide a much needed interface with the Zambian agricultural sector, and thereby encouraged all

stakeholders to participate to keep the agricultural conversation going. “We don’t appreciate the negative impact the cancellation of various agri-cultural shows will have on the farming community. However, we are pleased and optimistic that online events will help fill the void created by the can-cellations of the shows in 2020,” Mr Katambo said. Meet the Farmers’ co-directors, Mr Chimwemwe Nyirenda and Mrs Lee-Anne Singh said the event breached geographic barriers as witnessed by the on-going farmer registration which have come from all provinces in Zam-bia. Mr Nyirenda said the virtual event will put more emphasis on small-scale and emerging farmers, while match-making them with their suppliers and buyers, thereby making it purely busi-ness to business. The virtual event will bring together some of the most influential people and

Registration is free for all visitors, visit www.meetthefarmerszm.org.

Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture launches Meet the Farmers virtual summit and exhibition

Zambian Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Michael Katambo launched the Meet the Farmer virtual summit and exhibition.

organisations pushing ideas in the agri-culture space to accelerate the spread of knowledge, create new connections and generate ideas, leads and sales. Some of the conversations and areas of interest include: Farm risk manage-ment; The Zambian farmer during and post-COVID-19; Women and youth in agriculture; Access to finance; Access to markets; Diversification to drought resistant crops such as cassava and many other topics trending in the agri-cultural space. The theme of the event is “Innova-tion-Agriculture-Future”. The theme has been carefully coined as a call to action for industry players to seek innovative ways of doing business in these times of uncertainty. The farm-ers of tomorrow are the future, leading the way in technology and smart farm-ing. Furthermore, the summit is ex-pected to create a database for female farmers and seek ways of how the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders can promote and expand women participation in the agricultural sector. By bringing all the stakeholders together through this innovative summit, issues related to

sustainable agricultural practices will be addressed. Currently, Zambia ac-counts for over two million small-scale farmers dotted across the country with female farmers accounting for 60% of the total number. Access to finance for small-scale farmers has remained the biggest challenge. This summit will give the small-scale farmers an opportunity to meet with influencers in the agricul-tural value chain. The summit is being organised by Virtual Event Solutions, a joint effort by Image Promotions and Africast Con-ference & Exhibition and has attracted regional participation from Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa.


Water wise farmers build earth dams Part 4:

Foundations and seeping linesby Jan van Heerden, M.Eng Tec


The quality of the earth under a dam is of utmost importance. Careful

surveying of the nature and depth of the topsoil and subsoil must be done by drilling or sinking test holes (espe-cially at higher walls) over the foun-dation floor, the basin and the area downstream of the wall. The results of the survey, that is the type of soil and geological condition, will determine whether an earth dam can be built on a specific site and will influence the design thereof.

Requirements for a good foundation• The soil below the wall must be of

a dense nature to be compacted economically. The dense material must be at least one metre deep and must preferably be the same as the building soil of the wall.

• It must be able to bear the weight of the structure safely.

• Avoid plastic clay, expanding clay or marshy types of foundations. Also, avoid foundations of turf and highly dispersive soil.

• Avoid porous foundations, for example sand, gravel, and deep layers of pebble stone, to prevent large-scale seepage.

• Saturating (seepage) of the foun-dation material reduces stability and increases the tendency for the topsoil to slide. Figure 1: Excavations for a dam wall.

Preparation of the base of the wall• Plough the floor width at least 0,15

m to 0,25 m deep.• Remove the humus-rich and false

top layer, vegetation and ant heaps from the entire foundation surface.

• The key trench is excavated to at least 0,6 m deep in a dense layer with minimum side slopes of 1:1 for the entire length of the wall.

• Plough the base area once again, moisten and consolidate.

• If the foundation is marshy, re-

move that portion as a whole down to good foundation material. If it is not removed, the soft material will be extruded by the weight of the wall. The wall will sag; cracks will develop through which water may flow and wash the wall away.

• A shallow, porous top layer, for ex-ample sand, gravel or other perme-able material, must be removed over the entire base area of the wall up to the dense soil, clay layer or rock.

• Over dongas, the side walls must


Figure 2: Relation between the “sausage” and the clay content.

the shape of a trapezium. The follow-ing factors mainly determine the cross diameter of an earth wall:• The height of the wall• The soil or soils from which the

wall is built• Nature of the foundation• Construction method• The extent of the water surface

area when the dam is full• Position of the wall in relation to

the prevailing winds• Paving of the wall or not

Possibility of seepage of water through the dam wall (Figure 3)

If a dam is built with permeable soil, it is possible that the saturation line of the water may reach the surface against the back slope of the wall, or in the soil directly beneath the down-stream toe of the wall. If this occurs, there is a danger that the water that

The extent of the water surface area when the dam is full deter-mines the cross diameter of a wall.

• be sloped down to a slope of 1:1. Remove all loose material from the floor of the gulley and provide the wall with a key trench. Ensure a good bond between all the mate-rials and build the earth wall up horizontally (Figure 1).

• The same procedure is followed with the repair of a break in the earth wall and where terrace form-ing banks occur on the floor of the dam wall.

• Deep porous top layers of sand and/or gravel must be consolidated in a wet condition and the dam is provided with a core or blanket up to the rock or clay.

• If a part or the entire foundation is a rock ridge, it must be cleaned thoroughly. All cracks and crevices must be filled with cement mortar and the dam wall must be provided with a concrete key wall.

The wallThe wall must be dense and stable.

Soil for building the dam• Gravel: Mass and stability is good,

but it is porous and lacks cohesion.• Sand: Unstable, porous and with-

out cohesion.• Loam: Dense but permeable and

unstable, and usually contains an undesirable high percentage of organic material.

• Silt and clay: Dense but permeable and unstable. It expands when damp and shrinks when dry. It therefore cracks easily. It is good for building the centre wall area and pit walls.

• Turf and highly dispersive/sodium affected soil is unsuitable for dam building.

• Good building soil must be heavy and well graded to ensure minimum hollows and maximum density after consolidation. The desirable clay content is from 20% to 40%. The clay content can be determined in the field as follows:◊ Take a handful of moist soil,

kneed it and roll it in the hands to form a “sausage”. The rela-tion between the sausage and clay content is given in Figure 2.

• If ungraded soil and soil that shrinks and swells with increase or decrease of moisture content needs to be used, place it in the inner area in the rear, where it is subject to minimum moisture changes and is under a load.

• Sufficient amounts of suitable building soil should be close at hand and easily accessible. It should preferably be available in the dam basin.

Cross section through the main dam wallThe cross section of an earth wall is in


Figure 3: Flow lines through wall and foundation.

seeps through the wall can tunnel back from the rear and thus eventually lead to failure of the wall. Slip (slip circles) and subsidence of the wall can also occur. The same dan-gers exist if seepage occurs through the foundation. The nature of the building material in the wall and the nature of the founda-tion determine the degree of seepage through the wall. The position and slope of the saturation line through the wall is determined by:• Water permeability of the wall ma-

terial and foundation material.• Position and amount of ground-

water flow at the site.• The type and design of key walls

and cut-off walls.• The presence and position of

drainage structures in the rear of the wall.

If it is known where the saturation line cuts the rear end of the wall, provi-sion is made in the design to eliminate seepage.

Seepage linesAll earth walls that store water develop a seepage line (Figure 3). The average hydraulic slope of the saturation line through the dam wall is S = H/L.

RequirementThe seepage line must cut the wall within its base. In order to comply with this essential requirement, the follow-ing must be done:• The wall must be built with dense

impermeable soil.• Build the middle-third area with

the densest soil and the outer thirds with permeable soil, or build the key wall with concrete that stretches from the dense foundation or rock to at least the FSL. The latter is the most effi-cient method to prevent seepage through the wall and underneath the structure. Polypropylene sheeting can also be used for this purpose.

• Enlarge the base of the wall by making the rear slopes flatter.

• Where seepage occurs through or underneath the wall, drain the toe and/or build an upstream blanket in the basin.

S = Slope of seepage lineH = Height of FSL (Full Supply Level)L = Length from FSL to toe

For dense, well-consolidated soil, S is steep, namely 4:1 average. For soils that are not dense or poorly consoli-dated soil, S is flat, namely 7:1 and flatter.

Next month we shall look at the crest width of a dam wall. Pub-lished with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineer-ing for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.


Green Grow Pecan Nursery can supply grafted pecan nut trees and provide expert advice for your pecan farm.We have over 10 years experience in the industry and comply to SAPPA standards.

Available cultivars are: Wichita Navaho Choctaw Sutex Western

We are situated in Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, the heart of South Africa’s pecan production.+27 (0) 82 488 4288 l www.greengrowpecan.com l www.facebook.com/greengrowpecan/?ti=as l email: [email protected]

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Pecan nut trees are a long-term in-vestment that will not only increase your annual turnover, but also increase the value of your property by up to 300%.

Cash crops keep farmers going by providing a regular income and a

steady cashflow. However, expanding your farming operations always remains a good investment, and there are vari-ous options to choose from. Pecan nut production became a popular option for a sound long-term investment. Green Grow Pecan is a family owned farm. Marnus Groenewald explains how their business expanded with pecan nut farming. “After doing some research, we started planting pecan nut trees 18 years ago,” Marnus explains. What started off as an addition to their existing farming business, has now developed into their main fo-cus. “For the past four years we have started to concentrate mainly on pecan nut production,” says Marnus. Today there are more than 400 hectares of pecan nut trees on the farm.

Obviously, switching from conven-tional cash crop farming to pecan nut farming takes time. The trees have to grow for seven years before a viable crop of nuts can be harvested, but once the trees have matured, the op-eration becomes quite lucrative. There are still ways in which a farmer can ensure a good cashflow during the time it takes for the trees to mature. During the first 5 to 6 years of growth, the Groenewald family planted lucerne in the orchards to use as fodder for animals. After 6 years, the lucerne was replaced with grasses that they use for hay. The reason for this, Marnus says, is to ease the process of harvesting the nuts. The grass is cut in May before the nuts are harvested so that nuts do not escape the recovery process in tall grass. In 2010 they realised a need to start producing their own pecan nut trees to plant in their own orchards. “Many of the nurseries supplied us with sub-standard trees. Therefore, we realised it would be better to start our own nursery. This would not only cut costs, but also ensured that we could produce good quality grafted trees,” says Marnus. Over the past ten years, 30 000 of the trees planted in their orchard came from their own nursery. Then the nurs-ery also began to earn money: They began to sell the surplus from their nursery, and quickly saw that there was a significant demand for good quality grafted pecan trees. There are different sizes to choose from when you buy pecan nut trees. The diameter of the stem is measured about 20 mm above the grafting notch, and the length of the root is also meas-ured. The trees have to reach specific measurements in order to be classified under sizes such as small, medium, large, extra-large and oversized. These

For more information, contact him on +27 (0) 82-488-4288, or e-mail him at [email protected]. Visit their web-site at www.greengrowpecan.com, or find them on Facebook at @greengrowpecannursery.

Green Grow Pecan Nursery:

Increase your income and the value of your farm

standards can be seen on the South African Pecan Producer Association (SAPPA) website. Green Grow Pecan Nursery produces high quality pecan nut trees at afford-able prices. Due to the fact that they use their own grafted trees in their or-chards, they can guarantee the quality and genetics of their trees. There are different cultivars to choose from. Marnus explains that they use Ukulinga trees for the lower stems and root systems, and then graft the required cultivar onto the lower stem. The cultivars that can be grafted include Wichita, Navaho, Choctaw, Sutex, and Western varieties. The vari-ous cultivars are suitable for various climatic and soil conditions. “Farmers should not be afraid to invest in pecan nuts. There are many experts who gladly assist newcomers with advice, and the banks offer loans to aid farmers who embark on pecan nut farming,” says Marnus. It dra-matically increases the value of your property and allows easier access to venture capital. “There are many ways to ensure cashflow by combining the pecan nut trees with livestock, hay or vegetable farming,” Marnus explains. You also do not need a large farm to produce pecan nuts profitably. An orchard as small as 12,5 hectares can yield enough to make a profit.

Marnus Groenewald from Green Grow Pecan Nursery can supply trees and provide expert advice on pecan nut farming.

by Jaco Cilliers

There are many ways in which a farmer can ensure a stable income while his pecan nut trees are maturing. Marnus uses the open space in the orchards to grow lucerne and other grasses to use as fodder for animals.

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As pecan farmers ourselves, we have practical experience. Our clients are people who wanted the same, good quality trees that their neighbours and friends got from us.

HIGHEST QUALITY PECAN TREES

We started the Nensis Trees nursery because of our own need for quality, cultivar pure trees.

• We are registered with SA Pecan Producers’ Association (SAPPA) and the South African department of agriculture (DAFF)

• Our trees meet the SAPPA standards for X-Large, Large and Medium trees• Nensis is a registered exporter with experience in exporting pecan trees to

other countries• Our trees are gra� ed with DNA-tested scion wood from our own orchards

We are not the biggest nursery in South Africa. But our reputation is big, for not only do our trees get quality, personal attention, but so, too, do our clients. And we want our clients to be as successful pecan producers as we are ourselves.

Please contact us for any queries, advice or ordersFor the best pecan trees you can buy, send us ane-mail on [email protected] call Oloff Nel on +27 83 292 5959 for a chat.


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SY5944

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120- 130 days to maturity

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