ProAgri technology for the farmer
Z a m b i a
October 2016 Nr 12
Free
GSI improves silo designs
1st y
birthda
Bonnox is ready for another lifetime
LEADERS IN PASTURE!
Letter from the Editor
he first rains are on the horizon and according to climatologists, the La Niña phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle will be gracious, but our problems are far from over yet. The darkest time of day is just before dawn and that is where we are now. Our driest and most challenging time is just before the rain. Lusaka imposed water restrictions and even after the first rain, the grazing still needs a week or two to be strong enough for the animals to utilise. And since our electricity consuming farmers are also dependent on rain in the Kariba dam collection areas, they will also have to be patient until their uninterrupted supply of hydroelectric power works through the system. The year is fast approaching its end and we at ProAgri Zambia
are having another party before the one to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. October is our birthday month and we can boast that our first 12 editions are out there. We believe we have benefitted many farmers through our articles and advertisements, since our aim is to contribute to the advancement of agriculture through the provision of information. This month we are looking at a beautiful success story about a maize farmer who chose outstanding cultivars from an outstanding seed company. Our soil and cattle-handling articles will once again help the farmer to make the right decisions. We also investigate the possibility of high protein grazing, and take a close look at the water crisis.
Cover
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Precision Farming for livestock farmers means maximising the growth potential of your land. Increasing your carrying capacity through high protein grazing is an excellent method to achieve this. Brazseed offers a solution on page 2.
ProAgri technology for the farmer
Farm smartly!
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Z a m b i a
Office no. 3 Fens Investment Building Lusaka Show Grounds
+26 (0)96-216-9801 www.proagri.co.za
Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za
Copyright © 2013. All rights r eserved. No m aterial, text or p hotographs may be r eproduced, copied or in any other way t ransmitted without the written consent of the publisher. O pinions expressed are not n ecessarily those of the publisher or of the e ditor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their r espective o wners. ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.
ProAgri Zambia
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Acting Editor Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za
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General Manager Zambia Quintus Grobler > +26 (0)96-216-9801 quintus@proagri.co.za Reporters Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za
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Content
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Benine Cronjé > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za
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Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za
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Reap more than maize with PANNAR
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Get ahead with good brooding practices: Part 3
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Goats and sheep surprise at Stanbic Bank Bull sale
Stefan van Wyk > +27 82-381-7563 stefan@agritrader.co.za
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Bonnox will serve the farmer for a second lifetime
Tiny Smith > +27 79-531-0024 tiny@proagri.co.za
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ETG place the fertiliser elements where you need it
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VZS supports sustainable farming
Melissa Pols > +27 83-748-3413 melissa@proagri.co.za
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Construct your Africa through Liege Africa
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How to handle your beef cattle: Part 2
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Tace: “We can sell anything, from your gumboots to your farm”
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Soil: The farmer’s most important asset: Part 9
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GSI Hungary change silo designs
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Omnia explains the effect of stress at different growth stages of maize
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Please save our water!
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martly Farm s
Design Esta van Niekerk Enquiries Lize du Plooy > +27 12-803-0667 lize@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Keet > +27 861-777-225 accounts@proagri.co.za Distribution Du Preez de Villiers > +27 12-803-0667 dupreez@proagri.co.za.co.za Business manager George Grobler
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October 2016
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Reap more than maize with PANNAR:
From humble beginnings to gold medal farmer by Beene Mujala
Most farmers in Zambia who have been part of the PANNAR seed family are able to attest to the fact that they have been able to reap many benefits.
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isiting PANNAR farmers across the country, one cannot help but notice the impact the seed has had on farmers’ lives over the years. Benefits such as attaining higher yields, building modern houses, buying farm equipment, enjoying food security and many more are some of the resounding success stories from those who have embraced PANNAR quality seeds. Mr Wisdom Mababe, proprietor of Mababe farms situated in Mumbwa’s big concession area, is one farmer who has reaped the benefits of planting PANNAR seed over the past four years. Since he has been a young boy, Mr Mababe had big dreams of making his mark in life. Therefore, when the doors to agriculture were opened, he worked as a farm manager for several years to gain experience in and knowledge of the sector. After seeing how his employees were excelling, he decided to venture into his own farming activities, where he has since become an icon in farming. With limited equipment, he started at peasant farmer level in 2002, but he did not see any progress until he started planting PANNAR seed varieties. He first saw PANNAR maize in South Africa and was motivated to look for the seed. “Upon my return, I looked for PANNAR seed and immediately planted it, because I wanted to experience what I saw there,” he explains. Yields and beating the drought Mr Mababe explained that since then, the harvest he has been getting from PANNAR seed has been huge and motivating. He recalls how he has been increasing yields over the past four years owing it to PANNAR seed. “I have been farming for many years and it is only through planting PANNAR seed that I have attained the highest yields - 16 metric tonnes per hectare.
I have never experienced such high yields and this is what has motivated me to always plant PANNAR seed varieties,” says Mr Mababe. During the 2015/2016 farming season, he planted 390 hectares of PAN 7M-81, 18 hectares of PAN 413 and 370 hectares of PAN 53. From this he is expecting more than 25 000 50 kg bags of maize. “It is not easy to achieve such a high yield, but with PANNAR it is possible. Employing good management and agriculture practices combined with PANNAR seed has been the key to achieving high yields,” he explains. He explained that, despite the challenging 2015/2016 farming season, he has been able to harvest a minimum of 8,7 metric tonnes per hectare and maximum of 16,8 tonnes per hectare. Mr Mababe says among the seeds he has tried so far, PANNAR seed is the best in beating the drought and it shows an excellent germination percentage. He also says the seed is able to grow well even with minimum rainfall. “Notwithstanding the long drought experienced the past season, PAN 7M-81 has given me 15,3 tonnes per hectare,” Mr Mababe states. He believes that with farming, one should always strive towards doing the right things at the right time. “If one misses it at first, it is very difficult to achieve high yields. I make sure of the right plant population, apply fertiliser at the right time and control weeds at the right time,” Mr Mababe explained. Opening the gates of success Mr Mababe says more doors of success have opened for him since he started planting PANNAR seed. He explained that the bigger yields have not only opened numerous other doors for meeting new friends in the agriculture sector, but high achievements too as he has won many prizes and medals.
“In 2010, we were awarded a boom sprayer, in 2011 we were given a brand new Fitarelli planter and in 2012, I was awarded a gold medal by the late Republican President Michael Chilufya Sata for high achievement in farming during Zambia’s 50th Independence celebrations,” Mr Mababe says. In addition, Mr Mababe has been able to build two modern office buildings, housing many companies in the heart of Mumbwa district, in addition to a modern farm house built at the farm. “From the high yields from PANNAR seeds, we have managed to electrify the farm and to buy a number of animals. We have also bought a fleet of eight trucks, three Mercedes and five Volvos, as well as a warehouse which we hope to turn into a milling plant,” he explains with a smile of satisfaction. The milling plant will be the biggest in Mumbwa district and a number of local people will be employed at this plant in addition to those already employed at the farm. Mr Mababe also renders community service to the local people through employment. Indeed, by making sure that you get the right seed, that is PANNAR, and planting at the right time, you can surely excel in your farming.
Mr Mababe and PANNAR can be very proud their joint attempt to grow this magnificent maize. To start living the PANNAR dream, contact William Rutherford-Smith at William.rutherford-smith@pannar. co.zm or call him at +26-021-184-5443.
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K89
K925
K20
K120 K140 K65
K227
K168
K360
K45
K350
K163
K172
K80
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Ocotber 2016
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Emulating mother hen: An analysis of common brooding practices Part 3: Ventilation and temperature assessment Dr Oscar Blanco (BVSc, PhD)
Last month we looked at measures to create the perfect temperature environment for our chicks. This month we discuss the second-last part of the series, namely ventilation, curtain management and the benefits of temperature record keeping.
A proper curtain should open from the top to the bottom. This prevents dumping a lot of cold air on the chicks when the curtain is opened.
What about ventilation? A factor also affecting temperature control in chicken houses is ventilation. Ventilation is necessary to reduce the levels of harmful gases that accumulate inside the house and to keep the humidity of the air and of the litter within acceptable limits. Such gases can either come directly from the chickens (carbon dioxide, CO2, for example), be the product of the combustion of fuel used to heat up the house (carbon dioxide, CO2, and carbon monoxide, CO), or be produced by the bacterial activity in the litter (ammonia). However, as we ventilate the brooding area, warm air escapes and colder air enters the house, which may become an issue when trying to control the temperature around the chickens, especially during winter. The secret is to find a balance between air replacement and temperature control. In naturally ventilated houses, which are the norm in Zambia, this can be achieved by proper curtain management. Although ventilation during brooding deserves an article in itself, it is discussed briefly in this section. Perhaps the main concept to keep in mind is that cold air tends to sink to the bottom of the house, whilst warm air tends to raise towards the ceiling. Consequently, in order to get rid of the gases without affecting the immediate environment of the birds too much, it is necessary to have the air inlet far above the chickens. How can we achieve that? By using curtains that open from the top towards the bottom instead of from the bottom to the
Assessing the environment How do we know that we are providing the chickens with a favourable environment? How do we know that the chickens are at the correct temperature and that we are doing a good job balancing heating and ventilation? Measuring and recording ambient temperature is a basic and very important tool for many reasons. First, having at least one thermometer inside the house will give you an idea of whether the temperature in the brooding area is acceptable and, if not, it will help you to take action in order to improve the environmental conditions. Second, having a thermal history of the flock will help you to know what has gone wrong and what to expect from that flock in terms of future performance. Third, and perhaps not so specifically related to brooding, ambient temperature records give very important information to the veterinarian when trying to investigate a disease or condition affecting a flock. These records could also help you to understand how a facility behaves year after year under different environmental conditions, giving you an idea of what to expect from chickens raised in that house during a given season. Finally, thermal records may help you to evaluate the impact that any modifications to the facility had on the environmental conditions inside the building. Proper ventilation is necessary to keep Next month we shall take a closer the humidity within acceptable limits look at how to utilise your thermomand to reduce the harmful gases, such eter and what to look out for when as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and monitoring your chicks. ammonia that accumulate in the house. top (as often encountered at Zambian farms). Curtains opening from the bottom to the top will allow the cold air to drop directly onto the birds, disrupting all our efforts to keep a warm environment around them. This results in increased heat loss from the chicks to the environment. The small birds will try to reduce the exposure to the cold air drafts by huddling against the walls and around the heat sources, spending less time eating. Having curtains that open in the correct way are not sufficient on it's own; those curtains should not have holes. Furthermore, leakages around the curtains and through cracks in the walls should also be avoided. This is because the cold air passing through such holes will cause cold spots around the house, also negatively affecting our ability to control the temperature around the birds.
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8 October 2016
ProAgri Zambia 12
Goats and sheep surprise at Stanbic Bank Bull sale by Quintus Grobler and Du Preez de Villiers
Cattle farmers and other enthusiasts from all over Zambia recently attended the 2016 Stanbic Bank Bull Sale at the Lusaka show grounds.
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n auction is one of those dates of a livestock farmer’s schedule that is circled in red on his calendar. Attendance is crucial and an added bonus is if he can take his wife and kids with to the big city, because contact with other people is still precious if you live in the countryside. The 2016 annual Stanbic Bank Bull Sale was hosted last month by the Herd Book Society of Zambia and this year they decided to make it a family event. They organised entertainment for the wives and kids, while dad can look after his important business. The auction was also more inclusive for the rest of the agricultural sector. There were agricultural machinery, fertiliser, animal feedstuffs, seed, animal health, vehicle, signage and insurance stands.
On the livestock side there were seventeen sellers who offered Angoni, Boran, Brahman, Santa Gertrudis and Tuli cattle, as well as a few Boer goats and Dorpers. The sale went well and 100% of the female cattle, goats and sheep were sold while 27 of the 34 bulls got new owners. The averages were 28 000K for the bulls, 12 111K for the female cattle, 17 000K for the goats and 11 000K for the sheep. The sheep and goats were very popular and received astonishing prizes - the averages almost doubled from last year. The platinum sponsor was Stanbic Bank and the gold sponsors were Cargill, Klein Karoo, Livestock Services, Novatek, BHBW, ProAgri Zambia and Afgri.
This white Brahman bull was the most expensive and went for 44 000K.
The staff behind the scene did a magnificent job with the handling and care of the animals. Their water was sponsored by Manzi Valley.
The most expensive bull was offered by Clint Bruyns, Chucky Cantlay and Doug Cantlay from Tanderra Brahman Stud. (Chucky Cantlay was also the event President). The auctioneer was Barry Purdham and the buyers were Edith Z Nawakwi and Geoffrey Hambulo. Mr Hambulo has very specific plans for his newly acquired animal. “I want to improve the genetics of my herd to uplift the quality and herd structures,” he says.
The sheep and goat sellers had a fantastic auction, since the average price for the animals almost doubled from last year.
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Our contact details: www.breedingimpulszambia.com breedingimpulszambia@gmail.com www.breedingimpulszambia.com Willem van Zyl +260 (0)96 562 0775 willem@agriserveagro.com Copperbelt, Central-, Southern- & Western Province: Alberto +260 (0)97 172 0550 Breeding Impuls Zambia specializes in reproductive services and products for dairy and beef cattle. We specialize in AI, synchronization, pregnancy diagnosis by sonograph, semen and AI equipment sales. Based on our international experiences we created a “breeding manual” to help farmers to choose the right breed to achieve their goals. Semen is imported from different countries over the world, to provide the best genetics for a reasonable price. Our Services: • Artificial Insemination • Pregnancy diagnosis (palpitation, sonograph) • Synchronization Our Products: • Liquid Nitrogen • Bull semen: - Dairy semen: Fleckvieh, Holstein-Friesian, Jersey - Beef semen: Fleckvieh, Simental, Aberdeen Angus (red, black), Brahman, Boran, Brangus, Bonsmara, Tuli • Synchronization hormones (Syntex) • AI equipment: “Liquid Nitrogen For Sale Liquid Nitrogen flasks, AI kits, AI guns universal, minicutters, tweezers, sheaths, thaw units, thaw monitors, gloves, lubricants, disinfectants
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ProAgri Zambia 12
Bonnox
has passed the baton! by Du Preez de Villiers
In 2014 Mr Schadewalt , founder of Bonnox, visited the Bonnox factory. Anita Gent, his daughter and Director, showed him all the latest developments.
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frica offers countless opportunities and the potential for developing the agricultural market is vast. Therefore, many people with passion and persistence came to this continent to realise their life goals and make contributions to the improvement of many farmers’ lives. Volker Harmen Schadewaldt and his mother, Hertha, came to South Africa in 1951. He was a German radio technician who was eventually employed at the then Jan Smuts International Airport in Johannesburg. In the late fifties, with his savings, he bought a small farm in Laezonia, south west of Pretoria. Farming was running through his veins since his grandfather previously farmed in Tanzania. Anita Gent, Mr Schadewaldt’s daughter, says: “My father and grandmother loved Africa with the outdoor and sun and working hands-on. One day, while fencing his farm with barbed wire, he started to play with the idea of an easier, better way to do this strenuous task. This was where his dream of manufacturing his own, easy-to-erect fencing was born.” At that stage, Mr Schadewaldt had an American friend who gave him a Sears Roebuck & Co industrial catalogue from America. In there was an advertisement for woven fencing. This was indeed the perfect answer to what he was grappling with and he was convinced that South Africa should have that as well. He travelled to America, Australia and New-Zealand where wire-making 14
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machines were built, but he couldn’t afford one. Back home he approached another wire company for financing. He succeeded and in the 1960’s he imported two machines to manufacture hinge joint fencing, which he would distribute as one of their agents in South-Africa. Today he can be regarded as the person who brought the concept of hinge joint fencing to South Africa. In 1962 he bought the name, Bonnox from a pharmaceutical company. He loved the name because the first part, bon, means good and lovely in French and Latin. He rented a small shop in the southern part of Pretoria from where he could import and distribute fencing. His wife, Jean, was the bookkeeper and his mother was a shareholder-employee who helped where she could. “My dad is an ideas person and with his amazing ideas he knew how to steer the business. As a little girl I ran around and played in the shop and the fencing is still in my blood. He and my mother always talked Bonnox,” Anita says. Mr Schadewaldt’s dream did not end there. In 1982, he went to Pennsylvania in America and imported a secondhand machine. He bought a shop in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria, which is still famous as an industrial area. After a while he sold the property and in 1984 he obtained a loan and bought a property in Sunderland Ridge, south west of Pretoria, which was just starting to develop as an industrial area. He erected one of the first factories in the area.
Now he had a factory and one dormant machine. To keep the cash flow going, he was still trading imported and local fencing. Soon after that, he imported two more machines from New Zealand. The one was more than 100 years
Anita Gent was appointed as the new Director of Bonnox in 2013. In her hands is the 1965 edition of the Sears Roebuck & Co industrial catalogue which triggered her father’s dream of manufacturing easy-to-erect fencing in South Africa. The first edition of the catalogue was published in 1908.
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old and also practically broken down. Both were interlocking wire weaving machines. Things started to develop and they could afford to employ a few more people. In no time they had a full functioning factory. In 1994 Mr Schadewaldt employed another practical genius, Charl de Beer, who was a fitter and turner by trade. He could turn any piece of steel into any part for these old equipment. In 1989 the Berlin wall came down and Mr Schadewaldt, who was originally from Berlin, travelled to Germany. He also went to Reutlingen, an industrial city where many steel factories were based. They bought and imported a big ring lock machine from a company called Wafios. Since Mr Schadewaldt was a radio technician, he was very scientifically minded and precise, and loved to grapple with applied scientific concepts. He met metallurgists and engineers and spent a lot of time and effort with his suppliers to develop the perfect metal mixture for Bonnox’s wire. But he worked long nights and was rarely at home. He had his typical German way of doing things. The available floor space became too small and in 2002 he bought the stand next door, which he converted into another factory which holds two new in-house built machines. Mr Schadewaldt retired as General Manager in 2010 when he was already in his 80’s. Anita, who is actually a pharmacist by trade, took over shortly afterwards. “Today, Bonnox manufactures 70 different fencing products from 600 mm up to 2 400 mm high for every possible fencing function on a farm. Our wire is fully galvanised and a single vertical wire can resist a force of 220 kg, while a single horizontal wire can stop 415 kg. This prefabricated wire fencing made the lives of
Mr Schadewaldt demonstrates the erection of Bonnox fencing on a farm in 1966.
Some of the loyal Bonnox employees have been with the company for two to three decades.
thousands of Southern African farmers so much easier,” says Anita, who is committed to taking this business forward for another lifetime.
Bonnox has a very good reputation in South Africa. This cartoon was published many years ago in another agricultural magazine.
The first Bonnox premises south of Pretoria was occupied in 1965.
Call the friendly Bonnox sales team at +27-12-6668717 or send an e-mail to zane@bonnox.co.za, gerda@bonnox.co.za or linda@bonnox.co.za. You can also visit their useful website at www.bonnox.co.za for more information.
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ETG place the fertiliser elements where you need it All plants need certain mineral nutrients to survive. These minerals occur naturally in the soil and are taken up from the soil by the roots of the plants. Most soils usually have enough of these minerals to keep plants healthy.
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Element USE DEFICIENCY NITROGEN - chlorophyll formation - Small pale leaves - photosynthesis - Stunted plants - overall vegetative growth - Premature shedding of leaves PHOSPHORUS - Proper root development - Poor root development - Fruit quality - Dull green leaflets - Distorted leaf shape POTASSIUM - Even ripening of fruits - Scorching of older leaves - Proper fruit size and colour - Weak stalks - Plant resistance to stress. - Poor flavour and colour - Uneven ripening CALCIUM - Cell development - Wilting of flower stalks - Nitrogen metabolism - Loss of fruit quality - Overall fruit longevity - Necrosis of growing tissues MAGNESIUM - Chlorophyll formation - Fruits may ripen prematurely - Plant enzyme formation - Interveinal yellowing SULPHUR - Amino acid formation - Yellow colour starting with younger leaves - Enzyme activation BORON - Pollination and fruit set - Death of terminal buds - Water management - Flower abortion ZINC - Essential for hormones - Sickle shaped leaves - Seed and grain formation - Reduced intermodal length - Shoot development - Reduced weight IRON - Chlorophyll formation - Die back and thin - Stunted growth COPPER - Cell lignification - Yellowing and curling of young leaves (cells become woody) - Wilted appearance MANGANESE - Respiration and fruit ripening - Grey speck - lateral root development - Reduced quality and yield - Seed development
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t is important to realise that some nutrients are gradually used up by plants, or are washed out of the soil, and need to be replaced to maintain optimal growth and appearance. The most common mineral nutrients that need replacing are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). Fertilisers are manufactured mixtures of inorganic chemical products that contain N, P, K, and other necessary nutrients. They are applied to the soil to re-supply the soil with the proper amount of these nutrients. The three numbers on the front of the fertiliser bag represent the percentage by weight of N, P and K in that particular mixture. These numbers are used to calculate how much of a particular fertiliser to apply at one time. Looking at all the different elements and their roles in plant growth and performance, you will be able to see why each element should be carefully considered for better results to be achieved from any plant you grow. ETG is the company that blends all types of fertilisers after testing the soil to determine deficiencies. This is done for clients after soil samples are collected from their fields, a laboratory soil analysis is conducted and, based on obtained results, a customised blend is made for that client depending on the crop and desired yield. As a fertiliser blending and distribution company committed to sustainable agriculture, ETG ensures that they use high quality raw materials and the latest technology to supply quality products to their clients. Come to ETG for best customisation of your fertilisers that achieve the best yield results, as they blend the different nutrients precisely according to what your plants need. Call +260-974-772-838, or send an e-mail to sales.zam@etgworld. com to claim your share of ETG’s outstanding products and services. Visit their helpful website at www.etgworld.com for more information.
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7 metre land plane
26 000 litre debulking trailer
VZS supports sustainable farming With more than 35 years of experience, Van Zyl Staalwerke (VZS) fully understands the challenges facing our farmers. Therefore, even farmers from far outside their home region of the Eastern Free State depend on their services.
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he challenges facing agriculture increased dramatically with the harsh seasons experienced in various regions. However, a farmer makes a plan, claims the saying, and Van Zyl Staalwerke helped farmers to survive during the difficult times. The company accepts continuous development and innovation as a sustainable challenge. Their three branches perform repairs and supply parts. Over the past few years, Van Zyl Staalwerke developed various tippers and trailers based on intensive research. These products were welcomed by farmers with enthusiasm. Nearly all the models are approved by the NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications) and registered on the e-Natis system in Soth Africa. Side tippers With a choice between a 20 000 â„“ and a 26 000 â„“ side tipping trailer, the transport and delivery of grain is easy, quicker, and more effective. All the materials needed to manufacture the trailers are supplied by a network of key suppliers known for the superb quality of their products. Standard equipment components include a tarpaulin, a rear tow bar to draw more than one trailer, and a coupling for lights.
suitable for general transport tasks. The double axle enhances stability and the tipper can be used with a smaller tractor. The range is furthermore supported with various tipper options from 3 to 15 tonnes.
Transportation trailer
"VZS does not only build implements, we build relationships!!"
Transport solutions for implements
As implements continually increase in size, the challenge to transport these implements is also growing. VZS offers various solutions to this challenge. All models are lowered to ground level to facilitate easy loading and unloading, and are designed with a unique chassis to offer improved stability. They are also designed to accommodate really heavy implements such as no-till planters up to 10 tonnes. New development Sustainability is a key word in agriculture. We are constantly developing and improving our products to support sustainability for the farmer. Technology and development are part of our existence. An example of innovation is a tipper
trailer for the vegetable industry, a unique design. Another new product in our stable is a foldable land plane with a working width of 7 metres.
15 tonne tipper
Bok Barnard: +27 82-223-4890 Rieme Smith: +27 82-902-7707 www.vanzylstaal.co.za
Double axle tipper The double axle tipper is an extremely popular product due to its versatility and ability to be used for several different tasks. Silage sides or fixed sides to enable the transport of grain are optional. The top frame can be unbolted and removed to make the tipper ProAgri Zambia 12
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If you want something done right the first time, then ask the right people to do it. Africa is a growth point in the world, and where people grow, buildings grow. The lack of sophisticated infrastructure on the continent means that any construction job can be a daunting task, but luckily the right people are here already. Liege Africa believes that there will be a massive growth in agriculture and construction over the next five years. The company, with its expanding footprint on the continent and its head office situated in Lusaka, is very well positioned to make use of the construction opportunities in Zambia. In the words of Jay Horwood, Managing Director: “We’ve worked hard to establish Liege Africa as a solid construction brand name in Zambia and South Africa, from where we service the entire African continent. “We are known for quality and job execution and we set ourselves apart from every other construction company
Construct your Africa through Liege Africa simply by our strong philosophy and our work culture.” Liege Africa offers the complete spectrum of construction services, including: feasibility studies, conceptual design, planning, and construction. Whatever the form of contract, they seek to be involved with projects from an early stage. This enables them to develop a greater understanding of clients’ needs and ensure their brief is met. The very impressive AGCO Farming for the Future-complex near Lusaka
was one of Liege Africa’s projects, but construction needs not to be limited to office buildings or training facilities. Whether you want a striking home on your farm, a well designed ecofriendly warehouse and packing facility, cool housing for your dairy cows, or just a proper shed for your expensive combine, tractor and planter, look no further – Liege Africa can help. The team is led by Jay Horwood who has a BTech degree in Construction Management and spent several years becoming acquainted with international construction industries. His market sector experience includes commercial, health care, arts and leisure, infrastructure and residential projects. Shannon Joynt is the Contracts Director. As a qualified Civil Engineer (NHD-S4), Shannon spent several years working in the South African, East African and West African construction and mining industries before joining Liege Africa. Between them and the rest of their team they have more than a century’s experience in project development and construction management, and they are right here, on your doorstep!
For all your construction needs, contact Liege Africa at 0211267395 or info@liegeafrica.com. Visit www.liegeafrica.com for more information. ProAgri Zambia 12
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Rovic Leers would like to congratulate
ProAgri
on their first birthday, and would like to thank them for their valuable contribution to the Africa farming industry. We hope to see much more in the future! Happy Birthday ProAgri Zambia!
www.rovicleers.co.za
It’s not a dream anymore, it’s a reality.
Congratulations to ProAgri for reaching this milestone!
For more information contact: +27 12-666-8717
zane@bonnox.co.za | gerda@bonnox.co.za | linda@bonnox.co.za
www.bonnox.co.za
Here’s to wishing you the best of luck in all life has to offer you. Congratulations to
ProAgri
with their one year celebrations! Cobus de Kock: +260961-362-007 cdk@agriwes.com Nico de Kock: +260966-362-000 ndk@agriwes.com
Another successful year has passed, and we wanted to congratulate
ProAgri
on it’s 12th edition birthday.
You can’t be successful if you don’t try; failures always take you a step closer to success
– congratulations to a successful year! Tel: +27 12-545-0200 Fax: +27 12-940-3383 Email: admin@n14x4.co.za • www.n14x4.co.za
Chief Industries UK Ltd would like to wish you a year full of grand celebration and continuing success! Sending our best wishes to your organisation. Kindest Regards, Chief Industries UK sales@chief.co.uk Telephone: 00 44 (0) 1621 868944
QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR THE RIGHT PRIZE
Office: +27 (0) 82-903-3040 | Tel: +27 (0) 82-210-0999 Email: jan@staalboer.co.za | Website: www.staalboer.co.za
Congratulations ProAgri on your first year of outstanding service to the farmers! We wish you peace, love and success for the next year to come and we are looking forwardsales@chief.co.uk working with you in 2017. Telephone: 00 44 (0) 1621 868944
24 October 2016
Real FMX wishes ProAgri Zambia all the best on the celebration of their first year of publication. May there be many more. Congratulations ProAgri!
John Valentine • johnv@realtelematics.co.za +27 82 469 0834 • www.realtelematics.com
ProAgri Zambia 12
Congratulations
ProAgri Z a m b i a
One year!
1st anniversary ProAgri The SARO GROUP of companies congratulates all staff at
All the best for a bright future! May there be success at every turn of life and all ProAgri’s dreams come true! CAPE TOWN - Head office Tel: +27 21 917-7177 Fax: +27 21 917-7200
ProAgri
magazine on their 1st anniversary of publishing this very informative farming publication. Long may the magazine continue with increased support from all farming stake holders in ZAMBIA. +260 965 000 051/ 241477 www.sarozambia.com
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Hydrautivity Zambia Limited Hydrautivity Zambia Limited is a company specialising in mobile line boring that serves the whole country. We operate with a unique electric driven line boring setup designed and built to improve efficiency. The line boring machine can line bore from 38mm to 152mm in diameter. We also refurbish buckets, tapping out broken bolts, removal and fitting of pins and bushes. To us customers are very important and every job will be finished to the tightest tolerances with perfect alignment while keeping down time and costs to a minimum.
For quotes/enquiries and bookings please feel free to contact us today.
Plot 8086 off Mumbwa Road, Chinika industrial area, Lusaka. Mobile: +260 (0) 955 774714 or +260 (0) 966 450313 david_chirwa@yahoo.co.uk 26 October 2016
ProAgri Zambia 12
How to handle your beef cattle Part 2: The importance of a crush
To make beef production a pleasure, it is vital to use the right equipment and to listen to the academics and experts who spend many hours working out what the equipment should look like and how it should function. This is the second part in our beef cattle handling series and the ARC-Institute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa has made their manual on handling facilities available to ProAgri Zambia so that our readers can benefit from their research and knowledge.
L
ast month we found the easiest way for the handler to manage cattle. This month we focus on the different kinds of sorting pens. Sorting pens Cattle are collected from the field or feeding pens before being handled. The size of the sorting pens must be as large as the largest group of animals to be handled at a time. Each animal needs approximately 2 m² of space in the sorting pen. The shape of a sorting pen depends on the total lay-out of the facility, whether round or square. For savings on labour, there should preferably be two sorting pens. In the planning of a system, provision must be made for possible future expansion. In sorting pens used for commercial purposes, one pen should be in the shade and be supplied with water, should sick or injured cattle have to be kept there for recuperation. In feeding lots, however, provision must be made for a separate recuperation camp. In large feeding pens, a separate sickbay with a crush pen and special facilities will be necessary. Crush pens Crush pens are used to drive the cattle from the sorting pens to the loading platform. It is usually provided with moveable gates, used for leading the cattle into the crush, by making the area behind them smaller. In handling facilities with a rectangular layout, a funnel-type
crush is usually used. The crush pen must be designed in such a way that the one side joins up straight, that is continuous with the crush. The other side must join up with the crush at approximately 30°. If both sides join up with the crush at an angle, like a funnel, it causes the cattle to try to turn around and mill around in front of the entrance. One of the handling mistakes occurring generally in funnel-shaped crushing pens, is that the pens are overloaded with cattle. The crushing pen must never be filled more than three-quarters full with cattle. Cattle will move into the crush more effectively if handlers wait until the crush is half filled before they drive in more cattle. This will create enough space for the cattle to follow a leader into the crush. Figure 5 shows a typical funnel-shaped crush pen. Cattle usually walk along a fence and are inclined to stand in corners. A
Figure 5: Funnel-shaped crush pen
round crushing corral is usually better than a rectangular one, as it helps with the flow of cattle. The construction of such a crush pen is, however, more difficult. To simplify the construction, a pen can be made 10 or 11 sided instead of round. A partial circle can also be used. A number of exit gates are provided on the sides and lead to the loading platform, crush or sorting pens. Each crushing pen is provided with two crush-gates that hinge around a pole in the centre of the pen. One gate is for directing the cattle to the correct exit and the other gate is for moving the cattle. These crush gates can be 3,0 m to 3,5 m long. The pole on which the gates are joined must be securely concreted into the ground and sturdy hinges must be affixed. For a very heavy gate, a bearing is used on the top end as a hinge. A wheel can also be affixed to the bottom end of the gate, to provide sturdiness to heavy gates. A space of approximately 100 mm must be left between the gate and the ground to allow for unevenness of the ground and to make provision for collection of manure. Layouts of different crush pens are shown in Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8. It is preferable to make the crush gates and sides of the crush pen solid, while it is a must for feedlots. The only exit that the cattle then see, is to a certain exit gate. The sides can be made solid with steel sheets or rubber. Steel sheets of one millimetre in
ProAgri Zambia 12
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Founded in 1962, Bonnox is the manufacturer and supplier of 70 top class different variations of full galvanised fencing to suit every farmer's need for either game and / or livestock. Many heights and patterns available: from 0,6 m to 2,44 m high. Visit our website www.bonnox.co.za or e-mail our friendly sales team at sales@bonnox.co.za
thickness are too thin and cause a lot of unnecessary noise. Use thicker sheets instead. Peepholes can be made for the handlers to observe the animals.
Crushes
Static crushes A crush is used to line up cattle in single file to handle them. The end of the crush is considered the working area. A general problem at crushes is that they are usually made too short and too wide. By following a few directives, much frustration can be avoided. The type of crush which will be used will depend on the specific lay-out of the handling facility. Crush The length of the crush is determined by the number of cattle that have to stand in the crush at the same time. As a rule of thumb, 1,5 m per animal is allowed. Therefore, multiply the number of cattle that have to stand in the crush at one time with 1,5 m. A crush must preferably be at least six metres long, with the length of a straight crush generally 12 to 21 m long. A too short crush will lengthen the work time of large herds of cattle, while a crush that is too long, will cause the cattle to remain crowded together during a long work session. This could cause some cattle to lie down and cause disorder and injury. It happens especially with wild cattle. It is preferable that the crush is built at an upwards incline towards the front, because cattle will rather tend to move uphill in a narrow passage than downhill. Cattle tend to stop if they are driven downhill in a crush. The slope will also help to allow rainwater to run off and this prevents slush. Crushes may be curved or straight. The overall lay-out of the handling facility will determine which type to use. The advantage of a curved crush over a straight crush, is that the flow of cattle is generally better in a curved crush. One of the reasons for this is that the leading animal cannot see the exit in front of him and only follows the crush. The rest of the cattle only see the animals in front of them and follow easier. The cattle can also not see ahead that they are to be handled. Another advantage of the curved crush, is that the rumps of all the animals are in the same direction. This simplifies gestation examinations. The radius of such a crush is approximately 13 m. Next month we shall look at various crush constructions and the ideal crush dimensions and specifications. Published with acknowledgement to the ARC-Institute for Agricultural Engineering for the use of their Beef Cattle Handling Manual. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.
Figure 6: Herding pen
Figure 7: Crushing pen
Figure 8: Variation of crushing pen - semi-circular pen
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“We can sell anything, from your gumboots to your farm”
Tace Centre (Z) Ltd located along Kafue road Lusaka 2 km from the main post office at the magnificent Auction Centre Complex.
“F
or all your disposal, real estate, repossessed property auctions, farms of any size all over Zambia, plots, residential, commercial, farm and mining equipment, vehicle sales, household or office furniture and equipment, you can just call us,” says the Managing Director of Tace, Richard P Chefu. He says Tace can “Liquify your assets and solidify your liquid finances”! The team comprises of seasoned and young, dynamic players in the auction industry. They are driven by their passion for excellence, honesty, integrity and quality service.
30 October 2016
Tace Auctions produce the best market prices and as a result THE AUCTION CENTRE has claimed the top spot in the Zambian Auction Industry. They are holding auctions every Friday at their premises and also do a lot of onsite auctions, be it at a farm, mine or any business premises. “They can sell almost anything a farmer needs, from livestock, implements and vehicles to the farm itself,” says one of their satisfied customers. Tace Auctions have representatives all over the country who go out to assess the items on offer and facilitate the process. They also auction repossessed
equipment from the banks. “I was impressed by their ‘Auction Hit Squad’ who recently auctioned over 1 000 livestock units and farm equipment in one day on a total farm disposal auction,” a Chingola farmer said. If you are selling or buying or want to invest in property, don’t hesitate to give them a call at +260-950-620-850, +260-211 232029-31, +260-978-243-589 or email: rc@auctiontacecentre. com, admin@auctiontacecentre. com. Website: www.auctiontacecentre.com
ProAgri Zambia 12
SWARTLAND SPRAY PUMPS PTY (Ltd)
• High density citrus trees • Macadamia nut trees • Sprays trees up to 25 m high • Tank capacities: 2 000, 3 000 and 4 000 ℓ
Sarel Swart: +27 82-554-2121 Andre Lambrechts : +27-73-303-4270 Office: +27 21-876-3510 /+27 72-336-8080 E-mail: rasc@adept.co.za www.swartlandspuitpompe.co.za
34 October 2016
ProAgri Zambia 12
SOIL: The farmer’s most important asset PART 9: Ground water (I) Martiens du Plessis, Soil Scientist, NWK Limited & Prof Cornie van Huyssteen, Lecturer: Soil Science, University of the Free State
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. This article forms part of a series to highlight this resource.
T
he interaction of water in soil and plants is of exceptional importance for the crop farmer, because soil is the medium that captures and retains water for plants and makes it available again to the plants over time. It also serves as a solvent for plant nutritional substances which then form the soil solution. In the next few articles in this series, water in the soil will be discussed. The energy state of water is the basis of water movement and retention in soil. In this article capillarity and the energy state of water in soil are discussed.
The water molecule The structure of the water molecule is fundamental to its behaviour. The water molecule comprises one oxygen atom (O) and two hydrogen atoms (H) to form the chemical compound H2O. Of great importance is that the two hydrogen atoms are not diametrically opposite each other around the O atom, but both are found on one side, forming an angle of 104,5° (Figure 1). The implication of this is that the water molecule is polarised. It is therefore slightly positive on the side of the two H atoms and slightly negative
on the side of the O atom, while the water molecule itself is neutral. This polarity results in water molecules attracting each other electrostatically (cohesion). Amongst other things, cohesion causes surface tension, which is actually a thin dense elastic layer of water molecules (meniscus) on the surface of the water. Furthermore, the polarity property is also responsible for the concave meniscus of the water surface when, for example, it is in a glass tube (adhesion). Surface tension and the meniscus are of major importance in soil, because they result in forces that retain water in the soil and allow it to move. The polarity property also causes ions such as H+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ to be hydrated with water molecules. It also binds electrostatically with the negative clay surfaces to form a very thin layer of water molecules.
Capillary mechanism Capillarity can be demonstrated when the one end of a narrow glass tube (or straw) is placed in a bowl of water and is held upright. Water moves upwards in the tube, contrary to the forces of gravity. The water molecules “creep” via adhesive forces Electropositive (between the polar water molecule and the side of the glass tube) upwards and pull the next molecules with them using the cohesion forces (between water molecules). This movement conti-nues until the attraction force of the earth (gravitation) on the water in the tube is equal to these forces and the water can no longer move further. The narrower the tube, the greater the curve of the menisElectropositive cus, the stronger the force and the higher the water can move Figure 1: A schematic representation of the upwards. structure of a water molecule.
Exactly the same happens in the narrow tubes (pores) between soil particles where the water can then move upwards and sideways in the soil (Figure 2). The pores in coarse sand are larger, with the result that the water can move more rapidly, but not very high (about 400 mm). In loam soils the pores are narrower and the water can move upwards as much as 800 mm, although more slowly. In clayey soils the water moves even more slowly and often not high, because clay usually has a strong structure without long continuous capillary tubes. Energy state of water Whenever an object moves from one place to another, work is performed and this requires energy. Water always moves from a higher energy level to a lower level. When the energy level in one place is the same as in another, movement will not take place. A number of factors result in various energy levels in soil. These energy levels provide the forces that allow water to move. Gravity potential Gravity potential refers to forces of gravity which draw the water downwards towards the centre of the earth. Water higher up in the soil is therefore constantly drawn downwards and thus deeper into the soil. Water that is higher in the profile therefore has a higher energy state than water deeper in the profile. Gravity potential therefore causes the water, following rain or irrigation, to drain deeper into the soil. When free water occurs above the reference point, it exercises a downwards and thus positive pressure on the water in the soil. It will therefore cause the energy level of water to increase and it will move more rapidly. The thicker the layer of water, the greater the water potential. Matrix potential Matrix potential is caused by adhesive and cohesive forces as well as menisci. Adhesive forces result in water molecules clinging to the soil particles
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in a thin dense layer and cohesive the higher energy level will thus forces cause other water molecules move towards the lower energy to cling to this first layer, thus allevel. The water will continue lowing “layers” of water molecules to move until the energy level to form around the soil particles. of both parts is the same. The Menisci form between these layhigher the difference in potential ers around the various soil particles between the two parts and the and, together with the adhesive and closer they are to each other, cohesive forces, form the matrix the greater the potential gradipotential. The matrix potential is a ent will be and the faster water negative value and is thus a suction will move. force or suction potential. When the soil is wetted, the water Osmotic potential moves downwards through the pores Soil water contains a certain Reducing tube radius due to the gravity potential. Some amount of dissolved organic and of the water molecules cling to the inorganic salts. These salts lowFigure 2: A schematic representation of matrix soil particles due to adhesive forces er the energy level of the water potential. which are stronger than the gravias the water molecules are tational forces, thus remaining in strongly attracted by hydration. 2 – about 0,1 m g-1), and therefore the soil and not draining any deeper. The more salts in the soil water, the sandy soils retain less water against This first layer of water molecules also greater the osmotic potential (suction gravity. The water which is retained is holds a few layers of water molecules potential and thus a negative figure) held “loosely” and is easily accessible via cohesive forces, up to the point and the greater the amount of work a for plants. In contrast, clayey soils where the cohesive force is too weak plant root must do to draw water out have smaller particles and therefore a (gravity too high) and the water then of the soil against the osmotic forces. greater surface area (specific surface drains further downwards to a place In brackish soils with a large amount 2 of as much as 800 m g-1). There where it is retained by the adhesive of salts, it could happen that a plant are therefore higher adhesive forces, and cohesive forces or until it drains standing in wet soil dries out. more layers for cohesive forces, more out of the profile. menisci and therefore a higher matrix Menisci form when two soil particles Total soil water potential potential. Clay can thus retain much are found next to each other. Water The total soil water potential is calcumore water in the profile against gravclings to the soil particles and to each lated as the summation of the above ity, but also clings to much more water other, so that the water between the mentioned water potentials. Some to such an extent that plants cannot soil particles is continuous, with a of them are positive while others are absorb it. meniscus that forms on the upper and negative. When the total water poten The practical implication is therelower sides (Figure 3). When the soil tial between two adjoining bodies of fore that (sandy) soil with a too low is wet, the meniscus is not greatly soil differs, the water will move from matrix potential loses a lot of its water curved, but as the soil dries out, the the one with the higher potential to to gravity, while clay soil with a high curvature of the meniscus becomes the one with the lower potential until matrix potential clings to the water to greater and the forces become strongthe total water potential between the such an extent that the plants cannot er. This then lowers the energy level of two is exactly the same. The rate of absorb it. the water and therefore greater work the movement will differ depending on When one part of the soil profile must be done by gravity or a root the distance between these two points is dry and another wet, the energy to draw the water away from these and the potential difference. Movelevel between the two parts differs, forces. ment according to gravity potential is with the wet portion having a higher In sandy soils theses forces are rapid (as much as 2 000 mm per day energy level and the dry portion havlower and the matrix potential lower in sandy soil). Unsaturated flow (to ing a lower energy level. The water at (as the specific surface of sand is low be dealt with in later articles) due to matrix potential, is slow (about 1 mm to 2 mm per day). Thin layer of absorbed Soil particle
Figure 3a A schematic representation of a matrix potential in wet soil.
Soil particle
Flat meniscus and water easily available (high water potential)
water tightly held (adhesion)
Thin layer of absorbed water tightly held (adhesion)
Curved meniscus and water difficult to make available (low water potential) Soil particle
Soil particle
Figure 3b A schematic representation of a matrix potential in dry soil. Figure 3: A schematic representation of menisci in soil.
References Bennie, ATP. 1981. Soil Science 325. Unpublished class notes for GKD325. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. Brady, NC. 1990. The nature and properties of soils. 10th ed. Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, USA. Van Huyssteen, CW. 2009. Soil Ecology. Unpublished class notes for GKD214. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. ProAgri Zambia acknowledges Grain SA for the use of this series which originally appeared in Afrikaans in SA Graan/Grain. For further information, please contact: Martiens du Plessis: martiens@nwk.co.za Cornie van Huyssteen: vanhuysteencw@ufs.ac.za
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GSI introduces new global hopper silo design in EAME*
by Du Preez de Villiers
* Europe Africa Middle East
S
o many times we think that mankind has reached the epitome of brilliance, and then some innovative designer steps forward with a revolutionary design that turns the industry on its head. A perfect example is GSI’s new silo design, fresh out of Hungary, who also recently opened the first manufacturing facility in that country. GSI Group, LLC is known worldwide for their efficient, high capacity grain hopper silos as well as material handling, conditioning and drying equipment. They are also a full line supplier of pig and poultry production equipment. The GSI Group LLC headquarters are in Assumption, Illinois, in the USA. Their other manufacturing facilities are in Taylorville, Newton, Paris, Flora and Vandalia, all in Illinois, and Bremen in Alabama. Outside the USA they also have plants in St Hubert in Canada, Penang in Malaysia, Johannesburg in South Africa, Queretaro in Mexico, Marau in Brazil and Shanghai in China. GSI opened a new manufacturing plant in 2014, located in Biatorbagy in Hungary, to supply the region with material handling equipment. They will commence silo production in spring 2017. Their products are marketed worldwide through a network of independent dealers, grain and protein producers and large commercial businesses. An advanced, new hopper silo design developed by GSI (Grain Systems, Inc) will offer grain farmers and commercial operators all over the world the benefits of increased strength, more flexibility and greater capacity. “The changes are building upon GSI’s proven, industry-leading designs to meet the efficiency needs of customers, especially those who are expanding their operations to handle more grain,” said Bradley Jones, GSI’s Global Engineering Manager. “From an engineering point of view, these enhancements represent a substantial improvement on standard industry design.” One of the most significant changes is an all new design of the hopper silo substructure, including new bracing and columns. The standard X-bracing has been replaced with a diagonal bracing concept, which not only increases structural strength, but also gives users more clear space to run a conveyor system under the hopper.
Because of the stronger bracing, the supporting columns are lighter, but with the required strength to support higher capacity. “The new bracing and columns work in unison to create a much more cost efficient, yet stronger, substructure that will even support the newly offered 12,8 or 14,6 m (42- or 48-foot) diameter hopper silo, compared to the current 10,9 m (36-foot) model, ”says Andras Homonnay, the GSI Regional Design Engineer for hopper silos. Other key improvements include: • A new transition beam has been designed to provide added strength between the cylinder and hopper to better withstand higher seismic
•
•
• •
•
The first GSI Group LC manufacturing facility in Europe opened in Hungary and soon they will built revolutionary new silos to serve the farmer and grain industry even better.
activities and wind loads. This beam design is capable of supporting larger diameter and taller bins with more capacity than would normally be feasible in areas subject to seismic and high wind events. The sidewall to transition beam uses a bolt-on base angle instead of weldon sealing strip for easier installation. It also provides flexibility for customers to select either a 102 mm (4 inch) sidewall or 68 mm (2,66 inch) model, without requiring changes to the substructure. Greater clearance space – 1 or 1,5 m (42 or 60 inches) compared to the current 0,8 m (32 inches) beneath the bottom of the hopper supports higher volume conveyor systems so that users can move more grain volume more efficiently. Upgraded galvanised coating using Z450 (G140) on all exposed parts for improved protection against rust. Reduced shipping cost and lead time will be possible, because the new hopper silo will be produced entirely at GSI’s new manufacturing plant in Hungary instead of the United States, as current models. Existing GSI hopper silos can also be refitted with the new design. The new global hopper silo is scheduled for introduction in middle 2017. Customers may contact their local GSI dealer from January 2017 to place orders, or for additional information visit www.gsieame.com. If you would like a more specific, personalised approach to your system needs, please visit the dealer locator at www.gsieame. com to find your nearest GSI Group dealer.
These magnificent silos from GSI will now be improved even further with more advanced technology and construction methods.
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soil surface and hail or light frost will cause little long term damage to the plant. However, flooding at this stage can kill the plant, especially if temperatures are high.5 • Tassel and ear initiation takes place. From about V5 to V15 stress can limit ear size potential.2 • Cold soil temperatures can increase the number of leaves formed, delay tassel formation and reduce nutrient availability.1
The effect of stress at different growth stages of maize by Gerhard Eloff, Omnia Area Manager Mkushi
Table 1: Key to maize growth stages Vegetative stages
Reproductive stages
VE emergence
R1 silking
V1 first leaf
R2 blister
V2 second leaf
R3 milk
and locations. Some stages have been singled out because of the importance of certain developments at a particular growth stage.
Germination and VE (emergence): • Germination begins V3 third leaf R4 dough when the seed con V(n) nth leaf R5 dent tains 30% moisture. • The seedling prima- VT tasseling R6 physiological maturity rily depends on the energy reserves of tress can affect grain yield and in the kernel at this stage.2 this article we are going to look • Stresses to the kernel, radicle (young at critical growth stages where stress root) or coleoptile (emerging plant) can play a role in the eventual yield at this stage can easily kill or stunt per hectare. The farmer can do little the maize seedlings.2 about stress brought about by natural • Soil moisture should be sufficient conditions, but he can at least follow to support a rapid and continuous practices to minimize other contribugermination process.3 ting problems which might reduce yield potential. V1 to V4 (roughly 1 to 3 WAE): Components that define grain • The root system is relatively small yield are plants per unit area and the and banded fertiliser will stimulate maximum amount of marketable grain early growth.1 per unit area. It can be further broken • All the leaves the plant will ever have down into number of cobs, rows per are formed during the first 3 weeks cob, number of kernels per row and of growth.4 weight per kernel. • The growing point is still below the The leaf collar method of staging soil surface so damage to the plant maize uses a counting system of “colabove the soil surface at this time lars” (when the leaf partially unclasps usually results in very little reduction the stem) during the vegetative growth in yield.1, 2, 3. stages and includes the first round• The maize plant will recover from tipped leaf in the count. injury in this stage if later conditions Estimated Weeks After Emergence are favourable. Foliar applications will (WAE) have also been included for a assist in the recovery.4 typical 120 day hybrid, but one must remember that values will vary over V5 (roughly 3 WAE): seasons, production environments • The growing point is just below the
S
V6 to V11 (roughly 4 to 6 WAE) • The growing point is above the soil surface and the stalk and roots begin a period of rapid growth.1,4 • Nutrient and water uptake increase dramatically. Any shortages will have a serious effect on yield.1,2,4 • Row applied fertiliser is less critical now as nodal roots have proliferated throughout the soil.1 • Nutrient deficiencies at this stage seriously restrict leaf growth. • Potential ear shoots will form at every above ground node except the upper six to eight. However, only the upper one or two ear shoots eventually form harvestable ears.1,5 V12 (roughly 6 WAE) • The number of rows per ear and the number of potential kernels per row is determined.1,2,3,4,5,6 • Moisture or nutrient deficiencies will seriously reduce the ear size and the number of potential kernels.1,2,3,4,5,6 V13 – V17 (roughly 7 to 8 WAE) • Roots eventually reach a depth of 1,8 meters and spreading in all directions.1 • Early maturing hybrids progress from the 13-leaf through the 17-leaf stage faster than late maturing hybrids. • If possible, the soil moisture profile should be at field capacity prior to tassel emergence. V18 and other numbered V-stages to VT (tasseling) • The most critical stage of development for maize plants is the V15 (10 to 12 days pre-tassel) through R2 (blister) stages.
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• During this period the final number of kernels per row is determined.3 • Stage VT occurs two to three days before silking, when the last branch of the tassel is completely visible but silks have not yet emerged from the ear shoot. This is the beginning of a critical four week period.1,5 R1 (silking) • This stage begins when silks are visible and pollination occurs.1,5 • Depending on climatic conditions, one tassel can shed pollen for a period of 5 to 10 days.6 • Pollination in a particular field can happen over a fourteen day period.6 • It is the most critical stage in the development of the maize plant and the largest yield reduction occurs with stress during silking.1,5 • A pollen grain grows down the silk and fertilises the ovule in 24 hours. It generally takes two to three days for all silks to be fertilised on a single ear.1,5 R2 to R6 (blister to physiological maturity): Stress at any of these stages will greatly affect yield, either because of a reduction in kernel numbers or because of a reduction in kernel weight.
42 October 2016
References: 1. Corn Growth and Management: North Dakota State University 2. Stress & the Common Corn Plant: Bob Nielsen, Purdue University Agronomy Department 3. Critical Growth Stages of Corn: Cloyce G Coffman, Texas Agricultural Extension Service 4. Growth Potential, Corn Growers Workshop: Pioneer Seeds 5. Corn Development and Key Growth Stages: Brent Bean and Carl Patrick, Texas Agricultural Research & Extension Centre. 6. Know the Maize Plant: PANNAR
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T
he Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company has called on its customers to conserve water in the wake of a substantial drop in water production from its borehole sources. Borehole water accounts for sixty percent of the water supplied by the company to Lusaka City. Interim Managing Director, Manuel Mutale, says that some boreholes have dried up while water levels have significantly dropped in others to a level where the company is forced to switch the pumps off for some hours in order to allow for recharge. Mr Mutale said that this situation, coupled with load shedding, will make the distribution of water challenging and consequently reduce the water supply hours for most parts of the city. He said that the utility company will continue with the water rationing program which was instituted in the second half of 2015 in order to ensure equitable distribution of water to all its customers. This means that there will be reduced supply hours of water. He has further urged the customers to also show responsibility by conserving water during the dry season in order to ease the pressure of increased demand during this period of the year. The utility company is equally concerned with the erratic supply of water both from a service delivery and com-
Please save our water!
mercial point of view and will therefore endeavour to continue making efforts to improve the situation so that there can more stability and predictability of service delivery to its customers. Water rationing was instituted in view of the reduced water supply capacity. The level of water supply for Lusaka City was reduced from an average of 258 000m3/day in 2014, to a little over 190 000m3/day in 2016,
representing over 25% reduction in water supply, mainly on account of power load shedding and the low yield of the 125 groundwater sources spread around the city. The company is confident that the many interventions put in place through several projects currently underway in the city will yield desired results to turn around the current situation.
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For Lusaka see address below Tel: 0211-220-020 or 55 Cell: 0967-289-765 Head office: 176 Luanshya Road, Lusaka 44 October 2016
ProAgri Zambia 12
Cardinal Weighbridge Company - AFRICA -
CARDINAL WEIGHBRIDGE COMPANY AFRICA CWCSA THE AFRICAN LEADER IN ROAD AND RAIL WEIGHING Manufacturer and supplier of concrete and steel weighbridges for Axle and Gross Vehicle Mass Weighing of ANY Road trucks, Dumper trucks, Front-end loaders and Train trucks. Weighbridge sizes range from 3 m to 33 m
Contact us at sales@cwcsa.com
www.cwcsa.com ProAgri Zambia 12
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OMKAR CONSTRUCTION LTD “We hire earthmoving machines and we do land clearance, bush clearance, fish ponds and all kind of construction works”
Plot No. 3064, Great East Road, Lusaka, Zambia, Opp. Engen Filling Station Cell +260-964444001
omkarconstruct@gmail.com
46 October 2016
or +260-976139794
ProAgri Zambia 12
ProAgri Zambia 12
October 2016
47
48 October 2016
ProAgri Zambia 12