ProAgri Zambia 018 by ProAgri

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

No 18

Free

AgriFocus offers tomato planting tips

Sheep production made easy

AFGRI has the JCB material handling solution for you!

hen you read this edition, AGRItech will be over, but unfortunately you will not be able to read anything about the show. This is our in-between AGRItech edition, since we published it immediately after the show. Please get hold of our next edition to read everything about this magnificent event. We hope you will have an unforgettable experience. Zambia is once again in a grip of political turmoil, but true to the history of the country stability still prevails. Hopefully it will stay this way because anything worse or surprising will scare away the foreign investors with the big money. As long as the economy and off course agriculture is not hampered, we can still carry on like normal. Zambians can stomach almost everything as long as their stomachs are full. If they leave the farmers and their land alone, it will ensure food security and stability.

Cover

Letter from the Editor

On the National Cotton Field day, Honourable President Edgar Lungu visited the Nzenga farm in the Sinazongwe district. He said that he was tired of politics and that he wanted to work towards the development of Zambia. Nzenga is one of the small-scale irrigation projects under the Ministry of Agriculture. Recently, President Edgar Lungu held a meeting with 22 area traditional leaders in Northern Province to encourage them to make land available for government in order to give foreign investors an opportunity to develop agriculture and fish farming. Apart from an increase in food production, the added rural employment and skills development will be significant. This month we look at the diseases that pose a danger to small stock during the upcoming winter months, and how to prevent them from harming your animals. We also take a look behind the scenes in the Saro workshop, Afgri tell us more about their JCB telehandler and Agrifocus gives us a few valuable tips on tomato production.

Afgri is the proud distributor of the very useful JCB Loadall telehandler. With its many functions and ease of operation, it makes material handling a breeze. Read more about JCB on page 18.

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Oﬃce no. 3 Fens Investment Building Lusaka Show Grounds

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Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved. No material, text or photographs 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.

ProAgri Zambia

Farm smartly! Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

Editor Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za 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

Benine Cronjé > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za

Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Stefan van Wyk > +27 82-381-7563 stefan@agritrader.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 79-531-0024 tiny@proagri.co.za

Content

Melissa Pols > +27 83-748-3413 melissa@proagri.co.za

Farm s

martly!

Design Esta van Niekerk

Handling of beef cattle: Part 8

Small-stock: Choose the right breed

Enquiries Lize du Plooy > +27 12-803-0667 lize@proagri.co.za

AgriFocus oﬀers tips for top tomato production

Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0667 engela@proagri.co.za

AFGRI: Break new ground with JCB

ETG Zambia presents Zambian Fertilizers’ brand of Veg Mix

Accounts Ronel Keet > +27 12-803-0667 accounts@proagri.co.za

Farming equipment: No job too big or small for SARO

Distribution Du Preez de Villiers > +27 12-803-0667 dupreez@proagri.co.za.co.za

SOIL: The farmer’s most important asset. Part 15

Business manager George Grobler

ProAgri Zambia 18

April 2017

A superior game and livestock fencing

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How to handle your beef cattle

Part 8: Lifting apparatuses, field pens, hay racks and watering systems Autumn is upon us and all the summer harvests are almost on the market or in the silos. Soon we shall have more time to spend with our animals. The abovementioned accessories will definitely make the job easier during the demanding winter months. This is the eighth part in our beef cattle handling series and this month we look at lifting apparatuses, field pens, hay racks and watering systems. We thank the ARC-Institute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa who made their manual on handling facilities available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia. Lifting apparatus for lame cattle Many animals become lame and find it difficult to stand up. It is usually caused by disease or a poor nutritional condition or the nerves in the pelvis which were bruised during difficult calving. If the animal should remain lying down, the blood circulation is cut off as a result of pressure, which in turn will cause muscle degeneration. The end result will be that, even if the original disease is cured, the animal will still not be able to rise to its feet as a result of the muscle degeneration. The other problem is that the urine and solid excretions must be discharged as normally as possible, namely in the standing position. It is therefore necessary to use the lifting apparatus to keep the animal in the standing position until the disease is cured. It is, however, very important that most of the weight must be carried by the chest portion of the animal and not the abdominal part. . Figure 1 shows the construction of the lifting apparatus. Artificial insemination When artificial insemination (AI) has to be done in a handling complex, aA separate crush therace AI-facility spray dip or with spray should be used. The AI facility can also ProAgri Zambia 18

be installed in the hospital camp. The reason therefore is that animals associate the normal crush with instruments such as neck clamps and tilting tables which may sometimes cause pain. This association makes the cow more anxious, and this results in a lower concep-

Figure 1: Lifting apparatus

tion rate. Figure 2 shows a typical AI facility. It is essential that the AI facility should be designed and constructed in such a way that the handler has easy access to the animal. Cows are much more at ease in a dark AI facility. The sides, tops and front are made of non-transparent material, so that the compartment has a dark atmosphere inside, which has a calming effect on the cow. A chain can be hooked in behind her to keep her inside. After insemination she moves through a gate at the front or side. Hay racks Hay racks must only be used for providing the animals with hay and must be designed in such a way that it limits wastage to the minimum. It must preferably be portable. Cattle graze with lowered heads and the hay racks must be placed in such a position that they can graze in the same natural position. If animals take hay from high racks with the head and neck stretched upwards, they tend to waste by pulling the hay down. The animal should poke its head through partitions to get to the hay. To a certain extent, this prevents competition of the intake of feed by lateral April 2017

TILAPIA FRY MASH MIN PROTEIN 48% FIBRE FAT 6% CA 0,80% TP 0,60%

TILAPIA GROWER FLOATING PELLET MIN MAX PROTEIN 32% FIBRE 8% FAT 8% CA 0,80% TP 0,60%

MAX 6%

AGE (weeks) AVE WEIGHT (g)

FEED

TILAPIA FINISHER FLOATING PELLET MIN MAX PROTEIN 30% FIBRE 8% FAT 6% CA 1,00% TP 0,40%

grams/day

0.5

100

1.5

480

700

1050

1430

1920

3465

4400

122

6100

170

7650

230

290

360

14400

410

14350

450

12375

490

12250

225 TILAPIA FRY

TILAPIA GROWER

300

2475

10035 TILAPIA FINISHER

NOTES 1. Average growth = 4.5g/day overall 2. Expected FCR: 1.3 - 1.4:1 max FCR 1.55:1 3. Feed 5 times per day 4. Feed should be fresh, dry and kept out of sunlight 5. Feed buckets should be kept clean and dry 6. Keep modules clean - remove excess feed and dead fish daily.

11600

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Figure 2: AI facility thrusting movements of the heads. Figure 3 shows typical high hay racks. Handling pens After thorough consideration, various components of handling pens can be combined to provide for specific requirements. Field pens In the commercial cattle industry, it is sometimes convenient to have a number of handling pens in the field. The handling pens make it easier to handle the cattle because they can be handled in the field and do not have to walk great distances to get to handling pens. These pens are simple to use and can easily be erected at watering points in the camps. Cattle usually gather

near watering points and will then be close to the pen to be handled. The pens usually consist of a crush with a neck clamp, sorting pens and a water trough. If possible, a pen should be placed in a spot where it can serve a number of camps. A four-camp or six-camp system can therefore be provided with a single field pen with a watering point. If there are only loose camps, the pen can be laid out in such a way that it has two watering points to serve two separate groups of cattle at a single pen. Stock watering systems Each stock watering system usually consists of: • The water source - this is either a

borehole, a fountain or a permanent stream. • Inlet pipe to the main storage location. • The distribution network to the water troughs - this can include interruptions, pressure releases and buffer reservoirs. Water requirements of cattle A number of factors, including the time of the year and the nature of the grazing, influence the amount of water that cattle need daily. It also varies from region to region and the figures are not rigid. Table 1 shows the water requirements of cattle under normal circumstances. Total number of cattle dependent on a drinking trough If more than one water point per camp is provided, the water requirement can be distributed over all the water points. Table 2 can be used as a directive for the distribution. It shows the percentage of the total number of cattle per camp dependent on each water point. Watering times for cattle The daily amount of water needed at a drinking trough is determined by the type and number of cattle that drink there. The daily drinking time is determined by the grazing habits of the animals, which are determined by the camp sizes. In large camps, cattle tend to graze in herds and then go and drink as a herd. Drinking takes place in a relatively short time. The water provision network must then be able to provide the full water need of all the animals in the herd in a short time. For design purposes, a time span of four hours, or five litres per animal per hour, is recommended. In smaller camps, the tendency to herd forming is lower. The animals are

5 litres 50 litres 90 litres 10 litres

NoseRing • Wean with ease • No stress • Next to the mother

Table 1: Water requirements of cattle under normal circumstances

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Tilting table Table 2: Water distribution over watering points ProAgri Zambia 18

Tel: +27 (0)53 927 4999 Cell: +27 (0)82 459 9451 E-mail: judy@nosering.co.za www.nosering.co.za

April 2017

usually near the drinking troughs and sufficient water must be provided per day. Ten hours of drinking time per day y is recommended for design purposes.

Next month we shall widen our horizons by looking at the handling of cattle in large-scale commercial farming.

Published with acknowledgement to the AR-Institute for Agricultural Engineering for the use of their Beef Cattle Handling Manual. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

Figure 3: Typical high hay rack

Figure 4: A field pen where cattle can be handled with ease.

ProAgri Zambia 18

April 2017

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ProAgri Zambia 18

April 2017

Sheep production:

Choose the right breed for your production system In the competitive agricultural landscape, the intensive management of your sheep production system may mean the difference between simply surviving and earning money. The following series of articles are based on the Sheep Facilities Manual of the ARCInstitute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa. In this issue we discuss the choice of breed depending on your lambing system.

xisting production systems for mutton production in Southern Africa can be divided into two main groups, namely extensive and intensive systems. In an extensive production system sheep live off the veld. Structures for this type of production therefore consist of overnight facilities and a handling complex. An intensive sheep production system usually refers to a closed system, or a system which exists in a feeding pen or a production system from pastures or a combination thereof. The final choice between the systems will largely depend on the owner and will therefore depend on preference, management level, existing facilities, and the area where he is farming. With intensive production systems, there are two types of lambing seasons, namely the in-phase and accelerated lambing season. In-phase lambing season In this system each ewe lambs only once a year. The group is, however, divided into two, so that the ewes from different groups will lamb at different times of the year. Risks are diminished this way, and lambing pens and feeding pens can ProAgri Zambia 18

be used more effectively. An existing system can be utilised to its maximum by extending the size of the herd. Accelerated lambing season The accelerated lambing season system

Weaned lambs

Lamb pens

is beginning to become a possibility as the production system is refined. Costs and risks of the system are usually high, but the potential in income is also higher. In this system, sheep breeds with a long breeding season is used. The lambs are weaned early (6 to 8 weeks or on approximately 20 kg) and the ewes are tupped again immediately. Three lamb harvests in two years are obtained this way. A typical lay-out of an intensive production system for both in-phase and accelerated lambing season systems shown in figure 1.

Lamb feeding complex

Dry ewes or replacement em ewes

wes Gestating ewes Fee Feedlot or planted grazing

Market

Old ewes

Figure 1: A typical lay-out of an intensive production system for both inphase and accelerated lambing season systems. April 2017

A number of variations can occur, depending on the how planted grazing is integrated in the system and the facilities. A schematic lay-out of a system, which uses plenty of planted grazing and where the ewes lamb on the grazing, is shown in Figure 2. This lay-out could be used where ewes lamb in the spring and/or autumn, but will be dependent on the climate of the relevant region. Regions with a reasonably dry, warm climate will be suitable for this type of lay-out. Choice of breed Under the item, accelerated lambing season production system, mention was made of breeds with a long breeding season. The specific breed to be used will therefore also have an influence on the system to be used. The objective of any intensive production system is maximising profit. It is therefor important that the choice of a breed will also be made with maximised profits in mind. The term, profit maximising, refers to striving towards maximum income per ewe per year, including maximum mutton and/or wool production per year. Factors such as a personal preference for a certain breed are therefore consequintly excluded from this discussion. In line with the profit maximising objective, the following factors pertaining to choice of breed are important: • Adaptation of a breed in the specific region • A long breeding season • An acceptable carcass • Growth potential • High reproduction tempo • Good maternal characteristics If a certain herd size is accepted, the above factors can be evaluated according to three basic factors for the increase of mutton production, namely:

• Herd structure • Age structure • Weaning percentage Herd structure The herd structure pertains to the percentage of breeding ewes, she-lambs, young ewes and wethers. An analysis of the herd structure showed that an increase in breeding ewes has a very important influence on the future mutton production of a herd. Factors such as marketing age, mating age and number of breeding seasons per year - which are directly dependent on the breed - determine the percentage of breeding ewes in the herd. The greatest percentage breeding ewes in the herd - and consequently the highest mutton production - is possible with breeds such as mutton, mutton/wool and fur sheep. Age structure Mutton production consists of the

number of lambs and number of ewes marketed annually. An extension of the period that breeding ewes can be used in the herd means a reduction in the replacement tempo, that is the number of lambs to be retained in the herd per year to replace productive ewes. A reduction in the replacement tempo will inevitably ensure an increase in the number of marketable lambs per year, and hence an increase in income. Factors which influence the production period of breeding ewes are: • The number of lambs weaned, increasing to the ewe’s age of 5 years, after which it decreases as the ewe gets older; • The survival age of the ewes remains constant to the age of 7 years after which it decreases. An early mating age and longevity of ewes are therefore very important factors to consider when choosing a breed. Weaning percentage The weaning percentage directly determines the mutton production and can be increased by: • An increase in the lamb percentage: That is the number of lambs born per mated ewe. • An increase in fecundity: Under fecundity (fertility) we understand the number of lambs born per ewe. The occurrence of multiple births therefore has a positive influence on the meat production. There is, however, a notable weaker growth with multiples compared to single lambs. An increase in fertility must therefore be coupled with selection for better growth potential to be significant. Fecundity can be increased by selection within a breed or by crossbreeding.

ProAgri Zambia 18

April 2017

ProAgri Zambia 18

• An improvement in the covering: That is the percentage ewes lambed per ewes mated. The fertility of the ewes and rams are very important here. • An improvement in survival: That is the number of lambs born per number of lambs weaned. As far as the choice of a breed is concerned, the maternal characteristics are important here. • An increase in lambing frequencies: That is that higher coverings be done, three times in every two years instead of the normal annual lambing. The above factors determine the number of marketable lambs per annum.

Ewes lamb on grazing

It is, however, also important to look at the factors that influence the total mass of lamb produced per year. These factors are as follows: • Milk production of the ewes: This feature largely determines the preweaning lamb growth and is especially important with a high fecundity characteristic. • Growth potential of the lambs: The growth potential of the lambs is to an extent influenced by the heredity of this feature and varies from breed to breed. • The “type” and carcass quality: has an anticipatory value to predict the percentage fat and percentage good meat cuts of a carcass.

The variation of the factors influencing the choice of a breed is sometimes greater within a breed than between different breeds. This means that no universal breed can be recommended for intensive systems. Fundamentally, factors such as adaptation potential, fast growth and longevity of ewes determine the choice of the breed. If the current wool price is considered, a further determining factor, namely the wool production potential, is also important. Table 1 below quantifies some of the most important differences between the various breeds.

Wean Weaned lambs

Lamb grazing

Ewes lamb on grazing

Market

Gestating ewes Lamb feeding complex Feedlot or planted grazing

Photo – D van Heerden, Syngenta Figure 2: Schematic presentation of a system that includes planted grazing Table 1: Important factors with breed choice for an intensive system.

* Sheep with a short breeding season can only be utilised eﬀectively in an in-phase lambing season with mating in the autumn. ProAgri Zambia 18

We thank the ARC-Institute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for the use of their Sheep Facilities Manual. Next time we shall look at the design of an intensive production system. April 2017

wo very closely related plant species are the tomato and the potato. These very important crops have a lot of things in common, from sharing the same family to problems that are associated with growing them. The only diﬀerence between these plants is that one bear fruits above ground and the other underground. One similarity between the two crops is that they can grow throughout the year. Summer conditions with their high temperatures pose a challenge to fruit setting. Some varieties are more prone to this problem than others. In cooler climates a similar pattern can also occur as fruit setting may be delayed. In Zambia, like most of its surrounding areas, these problems are minimal. Even before the tomato seedlings are planted, we recommend you to install Tuta absoluta moth traps for monitoring purposes. As soon as Tuta moths, also known as tomato leaf miners, are noticed, institute Tuta moth control measures. Start your tomatoes on a good foundation. Most soils in Zambia are suitable for tomato production. Problematic weeds like couch or kapinga (Cynodon dactilon) can be controlled by applying WeedAll two to three weeks before transplanting. When using glyphosate to control kapinga, make sure the concentration of the spray mixture is above 2%. Tomato plants grow long roots, which is why it is so important to rip planting lines to make room for root development. The deeper the ripper line, the deeper the roots will grow, the less water stress the plants will endure and the taller the plants will grow. A good beginning also means that adequate nutrients are applied a week before transplanting. Tomatoes take up nutrients best when the soil pH ranges from 6,2 to 6,8, and they need a constant supply of macro and micro plant nutrients. Lime your fields where possible. Water your tomato plants regularly, aiming for at least 25 mm of moisture per week (through rain or watering), and even more in the summertime. Feel the soil; if the top 2,5 cm is dry, it is time to apply water. In the rainy season droughts are common, and then we may tend to forget to irrigate. We should help to maintain soil moisture at all times and this the key to preventing cracked fruits and blossom end rot. Obtain healthy seedlings of the variety you prefer. Application of fertilisers like Chicola (organic fertiliser which is rich in all nutrients) in addition to a tobacco basal fertiliser, will give your tomato an early start. Chicola is a soil builder and will help hold moisture and fertiliser in the soil until they are needed by the plants. Also apply Recharge a week before transplanting as a full cover spray to control Tuta absoluta, thrips, cutworm, ProAgri Zambia 18

Tips for

top tomato production By Agrifocus Fundi

and other tomato diseases and nematodes. Small weeds that may have emerged at transplanting can be sorted out with Rimusulfuron, as long as the weeds (grass and broad-leaved) are in a one or two leaf stage. Make the holes for the seedlings and spray Excalibur Gold into them. Excalibur Gold will help prevent root diseases such as fusarium, rhizoctonia and scelerotinia, and it will improve nutrient uptake and root growth. Fertiliser should be applied weekly to indeterminate growing tomato plants to ensure productivity. Nutrients should be well balanced so as to obtain higher yields. As a plant develops, care should be taken to control insects and diseases, the most common being the now notorious Tuta absoluta, thrips, aphids, red spider and bollworm. From recent checks, Tuta absoluta will remain a problem and hence we recommend that mass trapping of the male moth should be instituted in the chemical

control program. This will start with installing Tuta traps in the field and when pests are noticed, they can be targeted with Biotrine, Benefit, DDVP, Indoxa Gold et cetera. This Tuta control programme will eradicate many other insects as well. As the tomatoes grow, pruning and staking is the key to success - mostly for the indeterminates. Prune the suckers only - though there are a lot of different views on this. As long as the plant is provided with adequate nutrients and light, some growers may prune only up to first fruit set. As the plants grow, the bottom leaves get the least amount of sun and air flow, and being close to the ground, soil borne pathogens can easily splash up onto them. These leaves should be removed. Spraying Recharge at recommended rates seems to be effective for warding off fungus diseases. Early and late blight poses significant problems to tomato production. Preventative spraying with Mancozeb or Prevent (chlorothalonil) should help and should be done at intervals of 5 to 14 days intervals depending on disease incidences. Curatives for the problem are Omega, Carbenda Gold, Tebucon, Difeno Gold, to mention just a few. Omega and Carbenda Gold will control both blight diseases at the same time. Tebucon and Difeno Gold work well on powdery mildew. A dose of Ezi Flo Gypsum – applied to the soil at the onset of flowering – should sort out most of the blossom end rot issues in tomatoes. For more details contact Agrifocus Ltd on +26-097-8894451, 2, 3, 8 or Info@agrifocuszambia.com or join our Whatsapp farmers’ group for daily updates. April 2017

Break new ground with has expanded its range T

here is always heavy duty work to be done on a farm, from digging holes and trenches to levelling land for new developments. Once that is completed, there are bulk bags of fertiliser to be lifted, crates with produce to be moved and feed to be handled. With the right equipment even the heaviest tasks can be performed easily. There is no need to look any further than the familiar, reliable yellow machines from JCB. For the past two years, AFGRI Zambia has been the sole distributor of JCB Agricultural Equipment in the country. With three equipment branches nationwide and a variety of machines

on the ground at present, AFGRI has the JCB solution for you. AFGRI has already supplied several telehandlers and backhoe loaders to various operators in the agricultural sector, including crop farmers, agricultural contractors, dairies and suppliers such as fertiliser companies who handle materials in bulk. AFGRI supplies spares, backup services AND training on the entire JCB agricultural range, including the two latest additions the JCB86C Midi Excavator and the 55Z Mini Excavator.

JCB was established 70 years ago as a privately owned manufacturer of construction, agricultural and industrial machines. Founded in a lock-up garage by Joseph Cyril Bamford in the market town of Uttoxeter, England, the company has expanded dramatically under the leadership of Lord Bamford, who took over the role of Chairman from his father in 1975. Today JCB has 22 plants worldwide; 11 in the UK and others in India, USA, China and Brazil. JCB’s success is built on innovation and the company offers more than 300 different products for the sectors it serves. The company is the world market leader for backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers. From its dedicated World Parts Centre in the UK and 15 parts centres all over the globe, customers receive the best service back-up in the business.

NEW!

JCB sells its innovative agricultural range through a dedicated network of dealers, ensuring agricultural customers get world-class support whenever they need it. JCB’s growing presence in agriculture around the world incorporates expansion in Africa, where AFGRI Corporation Ltd Zambia began selling the JCB range in 2015.

55Z Mini Excavator

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JCB86C Midi Excavator 18

April 2017

Let AFGRI help you to break new ground with their range of JCB-solutions. Call Katuna on +26 96-677-8010 or send an e-mail to ks@afgri.com.zm

ProAgri Zambia 18

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April 2017

ProAgri Zambia 18

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ProAgri technology for the farmer

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ZAMBIA

Stefan van Wyk (SA / ZAMBIA) stefan@agritrader.co.za Xander Pieterse (SA / ZAMBIA) xander@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith (SA / ZAMBIA) tiny@proagri.co.za Quintus Grobler (ZAMBIA) quintus@proagri.co.za

ProAgri Zambia 18

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April 2017

ETG Zambia presents Zambian Fertilizers brand of Veg Mix

ains have been good during the 2016/17 season. This means that most water points in our rural areas, where smallholder farmers are, will hold water for a long time. After working hard during the rain fed crop production, farmers still have a Window of Opportunity for making money by growing vegetables. To support vegetable production, we have our Zambian Fertilizers brand of veg mix fertilisers, specially blended to support Vegetable fertiliser Veg Mix A Veg Mix B Veg Mix C Veg Top 24 Super Veg Feed Veg Top 32

N Nitrogen 10 12 10 16 19 21

any type of vegetable. We now present to you our crop specific, organic enriched, lime enriched fertilisers to support you with your vegetable production this season. Our Veg Mix is available in 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg and 50 kg packagings to suit every farmer’s needs. All these products are available at all ETG depots throughout the country. We are calling on all commercial farmers requiring specific blends of a tonne P Phosphorous 10 12 15 0 19 0

or more to contact us and we shall produce it for them. Non-Governmental Organisations working with smallholder farmers are welcome to link their farmers to ETG depots for vegetable mix fertilisers. Zambian Fertilizer Sales’ Head Office can be contacted at Plot 5260 Mukwa Road – Industrial Area – Lusaka – 240375 / 240475 / 0977-770950 / 0977-777743

K Crops/remarks Organic Potassium % 20 Tomato, eggplant, okra, pumpkins, impwa 33% 12 Cabbage, rape, spinach, broccoli, leaf vegetables 36% 15 Onions, carrots, potatoes, tubers 32% 24 A top dressing for most vegetables 26% 19 Basal for commercially grown vegetables,esp.tomato 0% 32 Top for commercially grown vegetables, esp. tomato 0%

Hellen Kanyeu at ZamFert Packaging Section presenting a 5kg bag of Veg Mix A.

Masiye Shawa at ZamFert Packaging Section showing a 10 kg Veg mix B. ProAgri Zambia 18

April 2017

s PART 15: Organic material in soil (ii) 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. The quantity and type of soil organisms play an important role in the breaking down or retention of organic material in the soil. However, these factors can also be rapidly and drastically changed by management practices. It is important to understand the soil organisms and the impact they have on the humus content of soil, because organic material has such a major impact on the condition of the soil. Soil organisms Organisms in the soil may be divided into three broad groups: The macro-, meso- and microfauna. Macrofauna are the larger vertebrates such as moles, mice and hares. The mesofauna are smaller invertebrates such as earthworms, nematodes (eelworm / roundworm) and snails. The microfauna and -flora, also known as micro-organisms, may be subdivided into bacteria, fungi, actinomycota, algae and protozoa. The mesofauna and macrofauna may easily be separated from the soil, while the micro-organisms are an integral part of the soil. Micro-organisms There is a large variety of bacteria in the soil. These bacteria are classified according to energy source and oxygen needs. Based on energy source, bacteria are classified as: • Heterotrophs, that get energy from the oxidation of organic material – this is also the dominant group of bacteria; • Autotrophs produce their own energy; and • Chemo-autotrophs that obtain energy from the oxidation of inorganic molecules. Based upon oxygen needs, bacteria are subdivided into: • Aerobe organisms, that need oxygen for respiration; • Facultative aerobe organisms, that can use oxygen and other molecules during respiration; and • Obligate anaerobe organisms, that ProAgri Zambia 18

can only survive in the absence of oxygen. It may be deduced from the above that the available energy source and oxygen content of the soil will determine the dominant micro-organism species in a specific soil at any point in time. The bacteria population of soil can be between 10 and 40 million per gram of soil. Fungi The fungi population of soil is between 100 000 and 400 000 per gram of soil. Fungi may be subdivided into soil residents and soil intruders. Soil residents are always present in soil. The most important genera are the Basidiomycota, Penicillium, and Aspergillus which are responsible for the degradation of wood and leaf waste. The spores of soil intruders are always present in the soil, but these only begin to grow if the right host plant and soil climate are present. Actinomycota The majority of actinomycota are single cell micro-organisms that form thin, branched mycelia and reproduce via segmentation thereof. The actinomycota can break down complex organic molecules better than fungi or bacteria. The population of actinomycota is about the same as that of fungi. Algae The most important algae species is the blue green Nostoc species of algae. It can photosynthesise and is therefore found on the surface of the

soil. Nostoc binds atmospheric N which can then be released into the soil via mineralisation. The population thereof varies between 100 000 and 1 million per gram of soil. Protozoa Protozoa are small invertebrate animals which live on bacteria and fungi. Mesofauna The most important mesofauna species are the Arthropoda and earthworms. Arthropoda comprise insect larvae, mites, cicadas, ants, termites and millipedes. These insects are mainly responsible for the mixing of the soil. Earthworms comprise several species. Some only live in the organic material on top of the soil, while others can live above and below the soil surface. Earthworms are mainly responsible for the degradation and mixing of organic material and their numbers are therefore determined by the availability of organic material. Under favourable conditions, about twelve adult earthworms can be found per square metre, which will process between 25 tons and 30 tons of organic material a year. Degradation and conversion As soon as organic material ends up in the soil, degradation begins when it used by a variety of micro-organisms as a source of nutrition. The organic material not only changes through mineralisation and immobilisation, but also through the formation of new amorphous compounds which are more resistant to degradation. It is these compounds that are known as humus. The rate at which organic material degrades, increases with an increase in the protein and carbohydrate content thereof. Initially the organic material is broken down through microbiological processes into a variety of aromatic compounds. These simple compounds are then broken down further through catalytic enzymes from the micro-organisms to form complex humic polymers. These polymers comprise 2% to 5% N and high density carbonyl (-C=O), carboxyl (-COOH) and phenolic groups. April 2017

It is these active groups that react to form a variety of organic polymer molecules. Humus colloids have a nett negative charge, which is caused by the dissociation of the hydroxyl groups (-OH -O + H+). As a result of this, humus has a cation exchange capacity of between 50 cmolc/kg and 300 cmolc/kg of dry material. Apart from this, humus also has a major impact on the physical condition of the soil, by acting as binding agent as well as improving the water retention ability. The degradation rate of organic material is determined by: • Conversion or the balance between addition and losses through mineralisation. Normally there is an equilibrium between the addition and mineralisation under a given set of soil formation factors. In cooler climates the conversion is slower and humus is broken down at a slower rate, with the result that the equilibrium forms at a higher level. Periodic wetting and drying out will increase the rate of conversion. • Stimulation takes place when the equilibrium is disturbed by the single application of a large quantity of organic material. The micro-organism population increases rapidly and mineralises the fresh organic material as well as the humus in the soil. ProAgri Zambia 18

After the available organic material has been mineralised, the organisms begin to die and also become organic material. The nett effect is therefore an increase in the humus content of the soil. • Clay content influences the humus content because the humus binds itself to clay particles, thus protecting the humus against microbic degradation. Conversion and degradation therefore take longer in clay than in sandy soil and thus the equilibrium carbon content is much higher in clay than in sandy soil. • The quantity and activity of organisms is dynamic and varies according to the environmental and soil conditions. The quantity and activity of the micro-organisms can drastically increase within a few days or even hours should there be enough water, oxygen and heat available. The opposite is, however, also true. Summary Soil serves as a massive storehouse of organic material that releases CO2 into the atmosphere. This CO2 is once again absorbed in plants through photosynthesis and can be used by man and beast as a source of energy. The dead plants and animals, in turn, end up in the soil where they are used by micro-organisms as a source of energy and they then release CO2 into

the atmosphere once again. Should this cycle not have taken place, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere would decrease gradually and eventually lead to the destruction of life on earth. Currently people worldwide are looking to increase the carbon content in the soil so as to lower the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and thus counteract earth warming. The occurrence of humus in the soil that degrades slowly, is advantageous as it provides life to micro-organisms and improves the chemical properties, structural stability, water penetration and water retention ability of soil. For further information, please contact the authors on: Martiens du Plessis: 072-285-5414 / martiens@nwk.co.za Prof Cornie van Huyssteen: 051-401 9247 /vanhuyssteencw@ufs.ac.za ProAgri Zambia acknowledges Grain SA for the use of this series which originally appeared in Afrikaans in SA Graan/Grain. REFERENCES Barrie, ATP. 1981. Soil Science 354, Soil and Water Management. Unpublished class notes for GKD354, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. April 2017

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April 2017 31

Farming equipment:

No job too big or small for SARO by Du Preez de Villiers

Saro Agro managed to carve out a niche in the agricultural industry since they mastered the art of manufacturing inexpensive, good quality products over many years. Saro Agro is serious about their Engineering Division. Every department is clearly demarcated and very neat and clean.

ike any normal business, Saro started off as a small and very determined group of directors. In 1980 they launched themselves with the name, Livingstone Hardware Stores and started to sell Kirtoskar engines and hammer mills from a company in Mazabuka which closed down in 1989. Lusaka was expanding at the time, and they moved to the capital under the new name, Saro Agri Equipment.

One of their new ventures was a workshop where they started manufacturing their own hammer mills to supply in the market they created. Besides hammer mills, they now also manufacture tractor trailers, water and diesel tanks, tank stands and a variety of other equipment. They also assemble motorcycles. “Ten people were initially employed and I joined in 1991,” Kulkarni Ma-

hesh, the Engineering Manager, says. “In 1993, we moved to other premises opposite the Soweto market and in 1997, we changed the name to SARO Agro Industrial since we expanded to include irrigation, farm machinery and soil preparation equipment. We also started manufacturing farm trailers. In 2008, we moved to our current premises in Buyantanshi Road. Now we refer to ourselves as the SARO Group with branches in Kitwe, Mkushi, Chipata and a dealer network all over the country.” Kulkarni knows exactly what is happening on the floor in every department. “Saro currently employs 120 workers in the workshop which covers 30 000 square metres of manufacturing and storing space. We can manufacture 15 trailers and 150 hammer mills per month or 1 500 hammer mills per year. Diesel and water tanks are manufactured on order and we can produce tank sizes from 5 000 to 80 000 litres. We manufacture our products according to ZABS standards and to the farmer’s specifications with a guarantee of six months. We currently use six to seven 27 tonne trucks of steel per year during full production!” Japhet Mwaijibe is the Deputy Works Manager and he is involved in procurement and implementation - to make sure that the jobs get done. He is also involved in marketing and after sales services. “We use milling machines, lathes, arc and MIG welders, and plasma cutters, and we spray paint all our products with a neat finish,” he says. Saro is one of the pioneer agricultural companies in Zambia and today they are still ready to assist where price is the determining factor. This well-known agricultural company understands the Zambian market and provides dependable products to farmers all over the spectrum.

Saro Agro has 29 years of experience in the manufacturing of hammer mills. Today they have the capability to manufacture 150 hammer mills per month.

Saro Agro’s workshop is a constant hive of activities. During full production they employ 120 people in the workshop only.

Calvin Salah, Agricultural Adviser - Technical; Japhet Mwaijibe, Deputy Work Manager; and Kulkarni Mahesh, Engineering Manager, are very proud of the 80 000 litre water and fuel tanks that they are building. ProAgri Zambia 18

For your one-stop farming experience, visit the Saro website at www.sarozambia.com or contact Calvin Salah at 00-260-975 714426 or 00-260-211-387000-9/ 241477, or send him an e-mail to calvin.s@saroagri.co.zm. April 2017

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