ProAgri Zambia 22 by ProAgri

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

No 22

Free

Bull Sale fetches top prices

Successful farmers plant Seed Co

years of excellent service

Cover

Letter from the Editor

GSI’s corrugated steel silos fit the popcorn production industry like a glove. Read on page 4 why Biggi Brands moved from silo bags to GSI silos.

uring the recent Stanbic Bull Sale hosted by the Herdbook Society of Zambia, Dr Austin Mwape, Stanbic Bank’s Chairman, said that 70% of the Zambian population is employed by agriculture. This means that more than two thirds of the population, or 11,6 million people, depend on land cultivation for their daily bread and butter. It is just unfathomable how the government can see these figures and even think of interfering with maize market powers on such a grand scale. We all know that a free market system is the most effective form of economy known to mankind, but it is very fragile and sensitive to government interference. Venezuela is a good example. One of the major contributing factors to the Venezuela crisis was price control by the previous Chávez presidency. During 2016, food prices rose by 800% and according to a survey, 75% of the population had lost an average of at least 8,7 kg of body weight due to malnutrition. There is nothing as dangerous as

Content

millions of small-scale farmers who suddenly stop producing surplus maize because they can’t make a living out of it. If agriculture takes a significant dip, the effects on the rest of the population will be devastating. We don’t want to spend most of our time in queues waiting for food rations like the Venezuelans are doing currently. According to the ZNFU, government considers intervention with the price of maize determined by the Food Reserve Agency. We all hope that the K60 per 50 kg bag will soon be something of the past. This month our magazine is jampacked with informative articles and stories. We visit Evelyn Sakala Simbeye, a vegetable farmer with a very inspiring story. Seed Co, Tiger Chicks, and Bonnox show how they are constantly striving to make a farmer’s life easier and better. Farm smartly! Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

Seed Co is your all-in-one seed solution

GSI helps popcorn company to bounce to success

With Bonnox, fencing is easy

How to handle your beef cattle: Part 12

Tiger Chicks hosts Indian River Broiler Farmer Workshop

Stanbic Bank Bull Sale: Top quality animals fetch top prices

Farmers support a good cause on the golf course

Soil: The farmer’s most important asset: Part 19

Farmers with vision harvest rainwater

Tractor safety and maintenance

Reclaiming acidic or alkaline soils by correct use of ETG’s lime products

Farming experience with Evelyn Sakala Simbeye

ProAgri Zambia 22

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Oﬃce no. 3 Fens Investment Building Lusaka Show Grounds

+26 (0)96-216-9801 www.proagri.co.za

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 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 Senior Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@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 Munyinda Nambula > +26 (0)97-742-6564 munyinda@proagri.co.za Riaan Oosthuizen > +27 72-321-3690 riaan@proagri.co.za Design Esta van Niekerk > esta@proagri.co.za Enquiries Lize du Plooy > +27 12-803-0667 lize@proagri.co.za Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0667 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Keet > +27 12-803-0667 accounts@proagri.co.za Distribution Du Preez de Villiers > +27 12-803-0667 dupreez@proagri.co.za.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

is your all-in-one seed solution

s a research and development company involved in seed production, processing, distribution and marketing, Seed Co Zambia is a major role player in the Zambian agricultural sector. Seed Co’s products include certified maize, hybrid and other seeds such as wheat, soy beans, sorghum, sugar beans, groundnuts and vegetable seeds. Seed Co Zambia is a subsidiary of Seed Co International, which has been in existence since the 1940’s, operating in South Africa, Malawi, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. They are listed on the Zimbabwe stock exchange. Their main clients are small-scale and emerging farmers, commercial farmers, non-governmental organisations and the government. Seed Co has a footprint of over 700 agro dealers spread across the country and owns depots in nine provinces, which serve as hubs for seed distribution to the market. With a processing factory which has a capacity to produce 300 tonnes of seed per day, Seed Co distributes seed through its depots located in Lusaka, Choma, Kitwe, Chipata, Mpika, Mkushi, and Kasama. With extension support second to

ProAgri Zambia 21

none, Seed Co ensures that farmers and distribution partners enjoy the best possible advice and seed solutions to derive the best value from their products. Seed Co has been and is still a major contributor to the E-voucher programme run by the Ministry of Agriculture, which was previously called the Food and Input Supplier Programme (FISP). The E-voucher has now been rolled out to all provinces of the country covering all 109 districts. Seed Co is strategically positioned to respond to the needs of over one million farmers earmarked to benefit from this year’s E-voucher programme. Their aim is to ensure that the farmers have access to the best certified seed which enhances farmer productivity and in turn improves the food security situation of communities and the country at large. Apart from serving the domestic market, Seed Co Zambia also exports seed to other countries in the region, including Angola, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, the DRC, Kenya, Uganda, Swaziland and South Africa. Seed Co pride themselves on the farmers' meeting they organise regularly to transfer information on their leading edge agronomical technology. Their demonstration plots all over the country serve as learning centres for farmers. They are actively teaching farmers about productive methods of agriculture in order to raise productivity – as they strongly believe a knowledgeable farmer is an empowered farmer. Among the maize varieties that

Seed Co provide is SC719, a late white semi dent hybrid variety, tolerant to green leafspot, maize streak virus and northern corn leafspot viruses. It takes between 140 and 148 days to mature and has a potential yield of up to 14 tonnes per hectare or 280 x 50 kg bags. It is recommended for Region II and III of Zambia (which receive an annual rainfall of between 800 and 1 500 mm). In the medium maturity range, they offer varieties like the new SC647, which is a white flint hybrid with very good cob and tassel smut tolerance. It has a good standing ability, takes 130 to 136 days to mature and has a potential yield of up to 10 tonnes per hectare or 200 x 50 kg bags. SC637 is another variety in the medium maturity range; a white semi flint, with low risk of lodging and very good tolerance to maize streak virus. It takes 130 to 136 days to mature and can yield up to 13 tonnes per hectare or 260 x 50 kg bags. The future of Zambian Agriculture is bright. Let us work together, seize the opportunities and make Zambia food suﬃcient. Follow us on Facebook; e-mail Sales@seedco.co.zm or visit our website at www.seedco.co.zm.

by Benine Cronjé

Popcorn company succeeds N

ew silos are popping up all over the Karoo in central South Africa nowadays. And the name proudly displayed on most of these silos is GSI - the largest manufacturer of grain storage equipment in the world. When you visit Biggi Brands, manufacturer and distributor of popcorn, just outside Hopetown in the Northern Cape province to purchase popcorn, you will also see a big plant with the GSI logo on it. GSI and Biggi Brands’ roads crossed two years ago when Biggi realised that storage space was a problem in their process. “We wanted to change our structure to expand our storage space and to speed up and simplify the transportation of stored popcorn to the processing plant,” said Koos de Wet, Chairman of Biggi Brands’ Board of Directors. They increased their storage capacity from 2 400 tonnes to 7 200 tonnes. “We have added two silos from GSI, each of which can store 2 400 tonnes. In addition, we incorporated a transport system to move the popcorn directly from the silos into the processing plant,” said Koos. Previously to this GSI facility upgrade Biggi stored popcorn in silo bags, but the corrugated steel silos are better, and their facilities are now also designed to expand further in the future. What they can add in future is a pre-cleaner for the popcorn received. In addition, Biggi can install a CHARLY VC 15/28 R 134 transportable grain cooler from GSI at their plant. GSI demonstrated this cooler system at Biggi for two days and other farmers 4

were invited to attend the demonstration of the first grain cooler to be tested in South Africa. “It is important to keep popcorn free from insects for the duration of its storage period. Biggi receives popcorn from April to June, and supplies packaged popcorn for the rest of the year. Thus, we must be able to store the popcorn for a year and that is where the cooler comes in,” Koos says.

The cooler ensures the quality of the final product. It is like a fridge that keeps the grain in the silo cold. Johan Engelbrecht from GSI says another advantage of the cooler is that it retains the moisture in the popcorn. “It is like a big air conditioner. The cooler controls the entire silo's temperature between 10 and 13 degrees, but we prefer 10 degrees. This prolongs the shelf life of the pop-

Johan Engelbrecht, Natasha Coleman, Riël de Kock, Carel van Heerden, Lanus Meyer, Koos de Wet, Rob Clouston and Jan-Albert Wiid at the inauguration of Biggi Brands’ upgraded facility in Hopetown. GSI did the upgrades. ProAgri Zambia 21

corn. When the product has reached the temperature of 10 degrees, it retains that temperature for nine months,” says Johan. Normally the average temperature of a silo is 18 degrees and the size of the silo determines the period it takes to bring the temperature down. “GSI silos may take a week or two to lower the temperature to 10 degrees,” says Johan. Remember that a silo like this contains many tonnes of popcorn. The cooler is powered with electricity, and it is 4 800 mm long, 2 040 mm wide and 2 280 mm high. Its frame is made of galvanised steel and it has a touchscreen control panel to control its operating speed and air pressure. The cooler can be programmed with two start and two switch off times over a 24-hour period. All the information and data can be stored so that the farmer can check it later. The cooling system’s built-in computer continuously monitors the temperature and moisture content of the air outside the silo and adjusts its operation to achieve the desired temperature and moisture content of the grain. Biggi Brands’ success story Biggi Brands supplies popcorn to cinemas in South Africa, and also to large processing plants, which sell it as ready-made popcorn. “We supply approximately 12 000 tonnes of popcorn a year, of which between 60% and 70% are exported,” said Koos. They have warehouses in the Cape, Johannesburg and Durban. Johann Kriek, Lieb du Raan and Attie Victor started the company around 1991. “I became involved in 1998 as Managing Director; back then it was known as Bigfoot Trading,” said Koos. In 2003, Bigfoot Trading and KOLK formed a joint venture. KOLK has since changed to OVK. The company was under the direction of Johann

All Biggi Brands’s staﬀ at the inauguration of extensions tom their plant. Kriek until May 2017, when Riel de Kock took over as Chief Executive Officer of Biggi and Orange River Popcorn. Orange River Popcorn purchases popcorn from farmers and Biggi Brands is responsible for the processing and marketing of the popcorn. “GSI completed the construction process for us in a tight and limited time programme. They committed themselves to help if any problems were encountered, as our production should not be interrupted,” said Koos. Koos says that world’s popcorn consumption is about 700 000 tonnes a year. He believes there is definitely room for expansion and Biggi is ready for it.

Here you can see how the grain cooler is connected to the silo to keep the popcorn inside cool.

Koos de Wet cuts the red ribbon to declare the new upgrade at Biggi Brands’ silos opening. ProAgri Zambia 22

For more information about GSI’s cooling system or their other outstanding products, contact Lanus Meyer at 011-794-4455 or send her an e-mail to sabs@gsiafrica.co.za Also visit their website at http://gsiafrica.co.za/

Rob Clouston, Jan-Albert Wiid, Riël de Kock, Koos de Wet, Johan Engelbrecht and Carel van Heerden at the grain cooler that GSI demonstrated at Biggi Brands. 5

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ProAgri Zambia 22

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Make this planting season a profit season ProAgri Zambia 22

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With

, fencing is easy by Annemarie Bremner

Floris Venter’s springbuck and gemsbuck are kept safe in their camps with Bonnox’s 1,8 metre high game fence.

“I

t is easy as pie to erect Bonnox fencing. I saw it in ProAgri for the first time three years ago,” says Floris Venter from Bloemfontein in central South Africa. Floris already fenced in 300 hectares for a game/wildlife farm. It is 8 km of fencing. Floris says it is not as big as some of the others on farms in the area, but he

puts the fence up bit by bit because the wildlife is only a hobby. He allows no hunting on his farm. The camp is home to a number of springbuck, gemsbok and reedbuck. “We put up the fences whenever we had time. At first I kept the wildlife in smaller breeding camps while using my spare time to plant the posts, pick

up the wire at the factory in Pretoria, which is 450km to the north, and fence the area,” he said. His next project is to fence in the walnut trees and then take the wire down to the river. He says the photo article in ProAgri prompted him to phone Bonnox, and he was pleasantly surprised by the friendly and professional service he received. He chose the 1,8 metre high Bonnox game fence with the closer mesh at the bottom to keep the jackal out. He also bought a wire clamp from Bonnox, which expedited straining the wire. The clamp fits over the wires of the fence from top to bottom and then you use about three wire strainers together to pull the clamp with Bonnox fencing all the way to the post. He had special 2,8 metre straining posts made so that he could plant them a metre deep into the soil. The straining posts are 89 metres apart with iron standards every 8 meters. He was particularly impressed with the following features of Bonnox: • The wire is light and easy to transport, so you can transport a whole load whenever you have to visit Pretoria. • It does not cost more than any other wire fencing. • It is much easier and quicker to erect than jackalproof fencing. • It is also sturdier than jackalproof fencing and you know that all the wires are evenly tightened. • With jackalproof fencing, you also need to put in a hangar every four metres, so it takes longer to erect and costs more. • Significantly less labour is needed to erect Bonnox - two men could handle the entire fencing project every time. • Bonnox is fully galvanised, so it will last for a very long time. • Should an animal run into a Bonnox fence, the fence will give way without hurting it, and afterwards returns to its original shape. Floris says farmers may well consider Bonnox if they want to put up fences and save time and labour. “Bonnox is ideal for my needs, and it is easy to erect,” he says.

James Africa, Andries Zono, Menneke Row-Row and her grandfather, Floris Venter, next to the posthole digger and the neat, straight Bonnox game fence. ProAgri Zambia 22

To find out more about Bonnox’s wide range of products, call +27 (0)076-169-9068 or +27 (0)12-666-8717 or e-mail gerda@bonnox.co.za, linda@bonnox.co.za or zane@bonnox.co.za. Also visit their website at www.bonnox.co.za. 11

How to handle your beef cattle Part 12: Feedlot office

complex, workshop, feed storage and water supply

ProAgri Zambia 22

The feeding troughs must be easily accessible for the feeding wagon.

This month we take a look at the central complex and all the activities surrounding it. This central complex is the heart of the feedlot. Cattle are received, sorted and handled here. Cattle ready for marketing are dispatched from here. The design of these handling facilities must simplify the execution of important tasks in the unit. The lay-out of the handling facilities is discussed in Part 3. 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.

cattle they must all be driven through a spray race or immersion dip, but cattle arriving late in the day, must remain in the overnight pens until the following day. After the dipping process, the cattle move through the crush, scale and body clamp, where they are weighed and vaccinated. Anthelmintics are dosed, the animals are de-horned and provided with ear tags or another form of identification. The animals are then ready to be transferred to the adaptation pens where individual groups can mingle. Adaptation pens are merely a few ordinary feeding pens, nearest to the handling pens, where new arrivals have

Office At large feedlot operations, the offices will usually be separate from the feedlot and handling facilities. At smaller units it would be sensible to have a small office at the processing plant. The office complex consists of an office, storeroom and dressing room. Equipment and medicines are kept in the storeroom. Some medicines have to be cooled, therefore a refrigerator is a necessity. A wash basin with hot water must preferably be installed. The office must be placed in such a position that a good view on the entire complex is possible. The weighing instruments, and if necessary, a computer is placed in the office. Flow of cattle Cattle are driven along the road or transported by truck and must always remain in separate groups, until identified by number. After receiving the ProAgri Zambia 22

Cattle are sorted and treated at the central complex.

free access to silage, hay and balanced feed. The animals can be placed separately or intermingled in the pen for the adaption and orientation period. Cattle that previously received silage or other balanced feeds react sooner and are ready to be transferred to the finishing pens sooner. After finishing, the cattle are ready to be dispatched. The progress of the cattle in the feedlots must be monitored regularly. This is usually done by means of an inspection, but some feedlot operators prefer weighing the cattle. Cattle may be weighed one by one, depending on the available equipment. The individual animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress, or the progress of the cattle in the pen, can be measured. A large mass scale that can determine the weight of a group of cattle, is very handy. Two dispatch systems for cattle are generally used. The one system consists of the identification and separation of market ready animals, while the total number of cattle in a pen can be dispatched as a second system. In cases where individual animals in the different pens are identified, separated, weighed and loaded, the social order is disrupted. If only about 60 cattle from a pen of 600 cattle must be loaded, it is important that the entire group must move through the handling channel. The market-ready animals are then separated, while the remainder goes back to the pen. This frequent handling of cattle extends the period they take to become market ready. When animals are divided into groups according to weight upon arrival, the social order is never interrupted. When 60% of the cattle are market ready, the entire group is marketed. The benefit is that animals are mar15

ProAgri Zambia 22

ket ready sooner, but there are some losses as a result of animals that are marketed, not ready yet. Feeding facilities Any feedlot needs a fodder plant. The size of the plant will be determined by the number of animals to be fed. The

daily diet of cattle consists of energyrich protein and roughage feed components. These components have to be kept in storage. Some components may be stored in silos, while it is sometimes easier to store others in barns with dividing walls. Figure 2 shows a typical fodder store with divisions.

Figure2: Fodder store with divisions The feed components are stored in the divisions until needed. From here, all ingredients are placed in feed wagons, according to finely calculated formulas, mixed and transferred to feeding troughs. The feed wagons must preferably have mass meters for easy measuring. Figure 3 shows a typical feed wagon.

Figure3: Feed wagon

Workshop complex If complete mechanisation planning is applied, large amounts of money are invested in equipment and machinery. A well-equipped workshop is therefore necessary for maintenance services.

Water supply It is accepted that a young animal drinks approximately 40 litres of water per day and that reservoirs should store enough drinking water for three days. This should be kept in mind when planning a water supply system. PVC supply pipes that run through pens must be buried at least 600 mm deep to prevent the cattle from damaging them. Cattle drink about 70% of their daily water requirements between 12:00 and 14:00. The supply pipes must therefore be large enough to supply the animals with water at the critical times. The pipe network must preferably run outside the pens. This will simplify repair work and will prevent a mess in the pen when pipes are Next month we shall look at manure handling practices. 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.

It is important to have enough water for every stock unit’s requirements.

Overloading of troughs can cause deterioration of feed, which can cause fatalities. A feed processing plant must be as close as possible to the access roads and placed on the highest point of the pens. This will make it possible to drive downhill to the troughs with heavy loads of feed.

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Silage trenches Some feedlots use silage as roughage. Silage trenches must therefore be constructed. ProAgri Zambia 22

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

Indian River Broiler Pocket Guide: Housing and Environment Objective To provide an environment that permits the bird to achieve optimum performance in growth rate, uniformity, feed efficiency and yield, while ensuring that the health and welfare of the bird is not compromised. Principles Ventilation is the main means of controlling the bird’s environment. Ventilation maintains acceptable air quality in the house while keeping the birds within their comfort temperature. Ventilation provides adequate fresh air, removes excess moisture, and limits the build-up of potentially harmful gasses and airborne by-products. During the early stages of the bird’s life, ventilation supplies heat into the house to keep the birds warm and comfortable, and provides sufficient fresh air to maintain an acceptable air quality in the house. As the birds grow and start to produce more heat, higher ventilation rates are needed to remove heat and the products of respiration (moisture) from the house. Monitoring bird behaviour and adjusting ventilation in response to bird behaviour to ensure that bird comfort and activity is maintained, is key. Air The main contaminants of air within the house environment are dust, ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and excess water vapour. Levels of these contaminants must be kept within legal limits at all times. Continued and excessive exposure to these contaminants can: • Damage the respiratory tract. • Decrease the efficiency of respiration. • Trigger disease (e.g. ascites or chronic respiratory disease). • Affect temperature regulation. • Contribute to poor litter quality. • Reduce bird performance (Table 24).

Call 0967 855 495

Tiger Chicks hosts Indian River Broiler Farmer Workshop in Zambia Indian River positioned for stardom in rising African market. est insight on how to optimize the productivity of broiler chicks through effective flock management. Due to the enthusiastic reaction of attendees, Tiger Chicks and Ganjaei will present the workshop on similar topics every four months.

ndian River® customer Tiger Chicks recently hosted an informative workshop for 73 broiler farmers in Lusaka, Zambia. Tiger Chicks, a business unit of leading South African integrated poultry producer Astral Foods, is a breeder farm and hatchery that produces day-old broiler chicks for the African market. The workshop addressed broiler management topics such as brooding and maximizing seven-day body weights, which are of particular benefit to African farmers. Additionally, Indian River Commercial and Product Support Manager for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Mohsen Ganjaei offered the lat-

“The Difference Maker” for up-andcoming market Robust Indian River broiler breeding stock poses key advantages for the emerging African market. Due to its environmental hardiness and strong liveability – coupled with exceptional feed efficiency and high leg meat yield - Indian River is renowned throughout the region as “The Difference Maker.” Ganjaei makes frequent service visits to the Tiger Chicks team to offer his expertise and support. “I congratulate Tiger Chicks on a well-organized event that delivered enriching management advice to the region’s farmers. Our goal is to benefit the Zambian market with a continuous supply of high-quality dayold Indian River chicks. We value all of our broiler farmers and do everything we can to optimize

Ganjaei oﬀers flock management advice to broiler farmers in Zambia ProAgri Zambia 22

their productivity and boost the success of their businesses, equipping them with a wealth of up-to-date nutritional and management knowledge and expertise,” he says. “Due to the hard work and diligence of the Tiger Chicks team, Indian River® is well on its way to becoming a rising star in Africa’s growing broiler breeder market.” About Aviagen Since 1923, Aviagen® has established itself as the world’s leading poultry breeding company, developing pedigree lines for the production of commercial broiler chickens under the Arbor Acres®, Indian River®, and Ross® brand names. The Rowan Range® and Specialty Males® are specialty breeding stock from Aviagen that offer greater flexibility for customers to meet specific or niche market requirements. The company is based in Huntsville, Alabama, USA with a number of wholly-owned operations across the United Kingdom, Europe, Turkey, Latin America, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., and joint ventures in Asia. Aviagen employs more than 3,900 people and has a distribution network serving customers in more than 100 countries.

For further information, please visit www.aviagen.com. 19

Thinking of how to manage resources efficiently and effectively to get the optimum output? Novatek animal feeds provides the solution for you with the most affordable concentrates. Following the bumper harvest from last season, maize stock is easily accessible for all farmers. All you need to do is hammer mill maize (10mm sieve size) and mix with our affordable concentrates. The final feed product will ensure the highest profit is made with farm produced maize.

Current Lusaka retail prices; • Broiler concentrate • Pullet concentrate • Layer concentrate • Pig weaner concentrate

– K242 – K235 – K169 – K269

• Pig grower concentrate • Pig finisher concentrate • Pig sow and boar concentrate • Lactating sow concentrate

– K180 – K166 – K159 – K186

For mixing guidelines and retail Stockist’s near you contact: Technical help lines: +260978 779 038/136 – lutanguk@novatek.co.zm /ta@novatek.co.zm Sales manager: +260978 779 017 – salesmanager@novatek.co.zm

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Stanbic Bank Bull Sale: Top quality animals fetch top prices by Zainab Pandor

The 2017 Stanbic Bull Sale was once again a fruitful event where many farmers from all over the country could trade their valuable animals.

nce again, the 2017 annual Stanbic Bank Bull Sale, hosted by the Herd Book Society of Zambia, offered the farming community an opportunity to interact with friends and professionals away from what is often a largely solitary profession. A mix of patrons from farming and related industries were also present and the event was even graced by the honourable Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Michael Katambo. Amidst the rhythmic sound and excitement of the well-organised event, all vital sectors of the agricultural sector were present and a family fun day unfolded at the show grounds in Lusaka. It was a delight to note the presence of most of our readers and clients. Most visitors to the ProAgri stand had at least heard of our magazine, which signified an increasing wider presence of ProAgri Zambia in both the supplier and farming communities. Not to forget the highlight of the day: the sale was a huge success. Fifteen sellers offered a variety of male and female cattle from various breeds, including Boran, Santa Gertrudis, Brahman, Bonsmara, Tuli and Beefmasters. Small-stock breeds on offer were Angoni, Dorper and Boer goat. The crowd was stunned to see a

local indigenous farmer, David Ngandu from Mkushi bagging the highest priced bull at K82 000. David has a herd of close to 500 animals. This winning Bonsmara bull, ZM11134, was sold by Alexvill Bonsmara Stud, owned by Graham and Kitty Mulders of Kalomo. He weighs a whopping 1 030 kg. The bull that fetched the second highest price was bought by Chris Collet from Ecobeef in Mazabuka

The bull fetching the third highest price was sold for K48 000.

The bull that fetched the highest price was sold for a nifty K82 000. ProAgri Zambia 22

for K60 000. It is a Santa Gertrudis weighing 890 kg. The third, a Brahman weighing 802 kg, was sold for K48 000 to MRI Syngenta. The cheapest bull was sold for K16 000 and the average price for the bulls was K27 857. 28 bulls were presented of which 23 were sold and 12 out of the 17 small animals (goats and sheep) were sold. This year, the average prices were 30% lower which can be ascribed to rising input costs.

The auctioned goats and sheep were of an outstanding quality.

Farmers support a good cause on the golf course T

he golfing community of Lusaka includes many people from the agricultural community and they all have one particular annual highlight: The corporate charity golf day organised by the DRCZ (Dutch Reformed Church of Zambia). This year it was held on 7 September at the Lusaka Golf Club. This was the eleventh annual golf day and the participants and organisers were just as enthusiastic as during the first one. The spirit amongst the players was excellent, but the competition was fierce. Liberty was the main sponsor and companies had the opportunity to sponsor the various holes. They could also showcase their products and services. During the prize giving function afterwards, the players could relax and socialise over homemade dishes and desserts. Every player could take home an impressive prize as a token of appreciation.

Abbeycon was the winning team of the day.

Munyinda Nambula, ProAgri Sales Consultant, was the man in charge at the ProAgri stand.

The ProAgri-team who came 6th out of 36 teams, consisted of Willem van Zyl, Quintus Grobler, Brendan Graham and Christiaan Engelbrecht.

The Omnia team were the winners of a full page ad in ProAgri in the blind auction. Gert van der Walt, Kobus Smith, Gareth Taggart and Cuan Smith were very impressed with their prize. ProAgri Zambia 22

Gert van der Walt from Omnia concentrated very hard to achieve that perfect put. 23

ProAgri Zambia acknowledges Grain SA for the use of this series which originally appeared in Afrikaans in SA Graan/Grain.

PART 19: Soil degradation (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.

oil degradation (deterioration of soil properties) is one of the most important aspects that influence global food security. Sustainable agriculture focuses, inter alia, on the protection of the ability of soil to continually support plant growth. This article forms part of a series to highlight this resource, and the next few articles will focus on soil degradation (Figure 1). It is these properties that every producer must manage and protect, because they are fundamental to every farming operation. After all, we are borrowing the soil on which we farm today, from our children and we must give the soil back to them so that they, like us, have a chance to make a living on it. Throughout the world one finds soil that has degraded to such an extent that one can no longer farm on it and it is then abandoned. “New” soil is then deforested and worked for a number of years until it also becomes unproductive and is also abandoned.

Figure 1: ProAgri Zambia 22

With the growing world population, something like this should never happen – and one cannot afford to let it. The production ability of soil must be maintained so that it remains productive forever. Soil properties are divided into three broad groups, namely physical, chemical and biological – each with its own set of properties. In the previous issues, the scientific infrastructure of the majority of these properties were discussed. The soil properties that are sensitive to degradation, and ways to counteract soil degradation, are discussed in the following issues. They should enable the producer to improve the sustainability of his farming operation. Physical properties of soil that tend to degrade Texture and mineralogical composition Soil texture refers to the ratio of sand, silt and clay to each other (Part 5 of this series). Soil texture is generally

regarded as a reasonably fixed property, but it can be changed by erosion. During wind and water erosion, the finer soil particles (mainly clay, silt and humus) are carried away in suspension and deposited elsewhere. The effect of this is that the soil from where the particles were eroded, becomes sandier, and the soil where it was deposited becomes more clayey. The nutritional value of the soil lies exactly in the clay and humus, and erosion makes soil quality poorer. Silt, clay and humus play a fundamental role in the hydraulic properties of the soil. It is particularly the water retention ability and capillary movement that are controlled by the finer soil particles. Wind and water erosion and the control thereof will be broadly discussed in the following articles. Structure Soil structure refers to the aggregation of individual soil particles to form larger structural units (small clods). Stability of structure is important so that the structural units do not disperse (dissolve) when rain falls on them. Various factors contribute to this (Part 6 in this series). It is especially when soil is turned over in clean-up systems, when the land lies “red”, that the natural water stable structure is degraded and surface sealing becomes a further degradation factor. The effect of this is that the soil is exposed to wind and water erosion, which then leads to further soil degradation. Surface sealing per se is also regarded as an important degradation factor because it is detrimental to gas exchange (the inward movement of oxygen and the outward movement of carbon dioxide). 25

It is also seriously detrimental to water infiltration, as the pores at the soil surface become silted up. Stable water structure at the surface of the soil is of importance to the producer. To achieve this, the management of organic material and the humus content is also of major importance. Crop waste should rather be left lying on the soil surface, so that the microbe activity which is responsible for the stable water aggregate, may be stimulated. In this way, closure and crust formation is limited, with the result that water infiltration (especially after heavy thunderstorms) is increased greatly. Water that infiltrates, cannot cause water erosion and it leads to increased production. Stable structure at the soil surface also prevents wind erosion as the aggregate is too heavy to be carried away by wind. The advantage of conservation tilling systems is that they must promote and maintain the stable water structure. Bulk density and porosity Bulk density refers to the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mass per volume. When soil is compacted through tractor and land traffic, the bulk density of the soil increases while the porosity (pores as a percentage of the soil volume) is decreased. Soil therefore offers greater resistance to distortion and plant roots need greater effort to displace soil particles when they grow through the soil, up to the point where the resistance is too high and the plant root cannot grow any further. Compaction or the increase in bulk density is an important degradation factor in crop cultivation and is responsible for major crop losses because it seriously stunts root growth and development. Compaction may be effectively controlled by track traffic systems. When compaction does occur, it must be broken up by ripper ploughing.

Laterisation Laterite (hard plinthite; oubank; ouklip) in the soil is caused by the process of alternating, intense wetting and dehydration. However, this is a very long process (covering centuries, rather millennia). Cases are well-known where deeply drained red soil yellowed under years of irrigation and even also formed soft plinthite. Theoretically it is now also possible that laterite may be able to form in these profiles, which could degrade the cultivation ability of the soil. Physical pollution In some areas, physical pollution is a problem because plastic, scrap metal and rubbish is left in and on the soil. This can greatly restrict soil usage.

this degradation on a large scale. As soon as organic material is worked into the soil, it is mineralised and then contributes very little to the building up of humus levels. Almost all the micro-elements are bound by organic material and released to growing plants via mineralisation. When the removal of the abovementioned basic cations exceeds the supplementation thereof (nett loss), the fertility of the soil is degraded. Farming practice must be focused on maintaining these levels and even improving them. The effect of organic material was discussed in greater detail in articles 14 to 17 in this series.

Physical removal or coverage Topsoil is often removed through mining, engineering construction, town development or other forms of development. Or it is sometimes covered. This is almost always very drastic and can only be recovered or rehabilitated at great cost.

Chemical properties of soil that tend to degrade Reduction of fertility Soil fertility is defined as the soil Picture 3: It is very beneficial for farmers condition where the macro and to maintain high humus levels in their soil. micro nutritional substances are provided in adequate quantities and in the correct balance for the growth of specific plants. Chemical imbalances The degradation of humus is reAcidification garded, inter alia, as a reduction in Acidification takes place when the fertility. Humus makes a major conbasic cations (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH3+) tribution to the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cation exchange are replaced by acidic cations (H+ and capacity (CEC), which provides the soil Al3+). The percentage of the exchange with the ability to adsorb plant nutricomplex which is filled with acidic catitional substances in the form of basic ons, is known as the acidic saturation. cations (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH3+) and Nitrogen fertilisers contribute the most in turn to provide them to the growing towards the addition of H+, while plant. growing plants and rotting plant mateWhen soil is physically disturbed, rial also make a contribution as basic especially when it is turned over and cations are removed (Acidification was aerated in clean-up discussed in greater detail in Part 8). operations using In the eastern Highveld, the burning a turn-plough or of coal for the provision of electricity mouldboard plough, sends large quantities of acid into the large quantities of air which end up on the soil as acid humus are minerrain. alised (converted Acidification can be combatted by to plant nutrition regularly adding large amounts of substances). In so lime to the soil. Lime provides Ca2+ doing, after about and Mg2+ as basic cations and as plant ten years, sandy nutrition. The CO3 portion reacts with soils only have half the H+ to form H2O and CO2. of their original humus levels left. Soil becoming brackish The maintenance Soil becomes brackish when an excess of humus levels of Na+ is absorbed on the exchange is of great value. complex (>15%) or when there are Reduced and zero too many salts present in the soil solutillage systems are tion. Brackishness was discussed in the only way to Picture 2: Plinthite is a redoximorphic feature in greater detail in Part 18. effectively combat highly weathered soil. ProAgri Zambia 22

Pollution In agriculture, the use of agricultural chemical substances is a source of poisons. These days, the majority of them are degradable and, as a result, do not remain active in the soil for long. By-products of mining activities are especially a major problem in terms of chemical pollution. The above-mentioned acid rain is also a form of chemical pollution.

feed upon it. Their populations increase continually, while those organisms that must inhibit the pathogenic populations, often do not get suitable nutrition. The result is an imbalance between population groups and specie composition. In order to manage these imbalances, a healthy crop rotation system is important.

Summary Biological soil properties that Soil degradation is a very tend to degrade important factor which Organic material and humus threatens the sustained Non-humicated organic material production of healthy and and humus play a major role in safe food for mankind in the a variety of physical, chemical Figure 4: Soil life controls a variety of chemical long term. Producers should and biological soil properties processes. set up farming practices so (Parts 14 to 17). Maintenance that the degradation of soil of optimal organic levels is, for are selective, the effect thereof on properties is reduced. Sustainable soil that reason, of major importance. Soil the soil fauna and flora is also selecusage focuses on the simultaneous tillage and overgrazing of veld are tive. This results in, for example, that management of physical, chemical and the chief causes of the degradation of when predatory mites are killed, the biological degradation factors. They organic material in soil. populations of the organisms that they have a direct influence on the suslive upon, increase sharply and may tainability of each and every farming Soil fauna and flora become a plague for the producer. system. Healthy and diverse populations of Nematodes are hardly influenced by fauna and flora are important for the weed-killers and insecticides. For further information, please producer. Soil life controls a variety Producers should follow the goldencontact the authors on: of chemical processes without which mean: Use weed-killers and insectiMartiens du Plessis: higher life forms on earth could not cides within registration, according 072-285-5414 / martiens@nwk.co.za exist. Of these, the breaking down to the instructions and only when Prof Cornie van Huyssteen: and circulation of plant and animal necessary. Fumigators and nematode051-401-9247 / vhuystc@ufs.ac.za waste are the most important, otherkillers generally have a very negative wise earth would eventually become effect on soil life and should only be REFERENCES unliveable. Furthermore, they are also used with great caution. Crop rotation, â&#x20AC;˘ Allison, F.E. 1973. Soil organic responsible for the breaking down of which especially includes leguminous material and its role in crop pollution products caused by human plants, is the most sustainable way to production. Elsevier Scientific activities. stimulate a diverse soil life. Publishing Company, New York. From an agricultural point of view, â&#x20AC;˘ Brady, N.C. 1990. The nature and the addition of weed-killers and insecIncrease in pathogens properties of soils. 10th ed. ticides are of great importance for the Monoculture systems are the primary Macmillan Publishing Company, soil. These chemicals are designed to cause of the build-up of pathogenic New York. kill plant and animal life selectively. In populations, to levels where they â&#x20AC;˘ Van der Walt, H.V.H. & Van Rooydoing so, they have an effect on the become problematic for the producer. en, T.H., 1990. A glossary of soil soil fauna and flora. The principle here is that the same science. The Soil Science Society Because the majority of weedcrop every year provides excessive of South Africa, Pretoria. killers and insecticides used today nutrition for those organisms that

ProAgri Zambia 21

Farmers with vision harvest rainwater A

farmer will never have too much water. There is always a place on his farm where he can utilise it, and it will always be directly beneficial to his yields. We have a particular problem during our long dry season, and every drop counts after the rains stops.

Saving and retaining water for agriculture offers essential benefits: • Drinking water for humans and animals making animal husbandry possible • Vegetable production for improved domestic food security • Increased production and reduced risks • Prevention of erosion by run-off reduction The main component of rainfall harvesting consists of a run-off area that allows little or no infiltration and a catchment or collection area where the accumulated water can be stored and used. The storage volume must be sufficient, so that the water can be used for a reasonably long time. If water is collected in earth dams, the volume of water must at least be able to tide the user over the dry season and the volume of water in tanks must be sufficient for at least two months. The following factors must be kept in mind with rainfall harvesting systems: • Rainfall distribution • Rainfall intensity • Run-off characteristics of the catchment area • Water storage capacity • Evaporation Benefits of rainfall harvesting: • Improved yields compared to crops raised with normal rainwater is free • A better living standard can be maintained

Disadvantages that rainfall harvesting might cause: • High risk that too little rain may occur at critical stages • Costs associated with catchment areas and containers for storage • Cost to distribute water to the usage points Rainfall harvesting can be done in various ways. The following methods are discussed in this article: • Harvesting water from roof surfaces and storage in tanks or reservoirs • Harvesting water from prepared ground surfaces or stone slabs and storage in reservoirs • Harvesting water between widely spread tree rows and storage in a soil profile where roots are present • Harvesting of rainwater from micro catchment areas and storage in reservoirs or a soil profile where roots are present Collection of water from roofs Tin roofs (corrugated iron) Large roof surfaces are usually fitted with gutters and down-pipes and only storage capacity needs to be erected. Small roof surfaces do not usually have gutters and the following method can be used (see Figure 1). Cut a slit into a 50mm diameter polythene pipe. Bind the pipe firmly to the roof or rafters with wire, so that it can hold the water flowing into it. The end of the pipe, which is not tied, is kept long and is not cut, so that it can be used as a down-pipe to the container. Thatched roofs Use short pieces of corrugated iron sheets, secure these under the edge of the thatched roof, so that it juts out ±300mm and in such a way that it allows the water to run onto the zinc sheets from the roof. The entire roof edge is elongated with these corrugated sheets and the same method is then followed as with the tin roof and polythene pipes. (See Figure 2).

Figure 1: Gutter of polythene pipe for small tin roofs ProAgri Zambia 22

Water harvesting from ground surface or stone slabs Ground surfaces that are prepared should be on a reasonable slope to ensure fast run-off. If the soil is not of a hard type, the following practices may be followed to ensure a better run-off from the run-off area: • Remove vegetation, level the surface and compact the soil with a roller. • Use a soil and cement mixture method and compact firmly. In all cases, the regrowth of vegetation must be prevented and weirs must be erected to direct water to a reservoir for storage. • Stone slabs or large granite boulders give a good run-off and water must be collected with weirs and barriers and transported to a reservoir by means of a pipe. If natural run-off patterns appear on the rocks, the water can be stored by means of a weir. (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Dams on rock slabs Harvesting of water between widely spread tree rows This method consists of a run-off area and a collection area (see Figure 4). The run-off area must be large enough to supply the root zone with enough water on a regular basis. The storage area must be able to easily absorb and hold water. Evaporation can be reduced by covering the collection area. Small dams around the trees shaped in such a way that the one runs into the other, increases water penetration. The height of the weir must be designed to handle a 1-in-10-year rainfall run-off. Harvesting of water between widely-spaced crop rows An apparatus which makes dams for collection of water and prevents run-off, is being used with great success in sandy and clayey soils.

Figure 2: Method of water harvesting from thatched roofs 31

Treated area

Wall of dam

Figure 4: Collection of water between tree rows The apparatus can be mounted behind any implement and used during each tilling between widely-spaced plant rows. The apparatus consists of a V-blade scraper and an oval wheel, which lifts up and drops the blade to form little dams. A chip in the wheel prevents the dams from being trampled. During thunderstorms, these weirs form little dams that collect water. Collection of water on exposed areas under field conditions Three implements generally used by farmers to prevent rainwater from running off from exposed fields, are: Spotting plough This plough is used by letting the hydraulic system of the tractor move up and down to draw short oblong trenches. During rain showers the water is collected in these trenches and infiltration is improved. As a result of the better infiltration, the vegetation increases, which prevents further runoff of water. Ripper tine plough (sub-soiler) The ripper tine plough (or sub-soiler), also constructs little dams - as does the spotting plough - but its advantage is that the ripper tine remains permanently in the soil and an oval wheel lifts

the plough to make little oblong dams. The operator therefore does not have to operate the hydraulic system of the tractor and the tractor keeps working at constant traction. The ripper tine loosens the soil between the little dams and more water infiltrates the soil. A better seedbed for the establishment of vegetation is prepared in this way. Disk ripper plough A disk ripper plough is used in the same way as the two abovementioned ploughs and in some soils, re-establishment of vegetation is very successful. The advantage of this plough is that it can easily be made from old used ploughs. The greatest disadvantage of this plough is that, in certain soils, it smears the side of the little dams and the water then takes too long to penetrate the soil. This may cause the seedlings to become waterlogged. Harvesting of water from micro catchment areas The same principle applies as in

Figure 5: Apparatus that constructs little dams mounted behind a hoeing implement. ProAgri Zambia 22

Figure 6: Operation of the dam making apparatus the section about water harvesting between widely spread tree rows, except that the run-off area can be much greater and that it has to serve a very small catchment area (see Figure 4). The treated area must be free of vegetation and must be kept as sealed as possible. Area required for water collection Much water can be harvested by means of the aforementioned rainfall harvesting techniques. This water can be used for different purposes. Plants need approximately 5mm of irrigation per day over a period of six months. A rough

Figure 7: EďŹ&#x192;ciency of the dam making apparatus during a thunderstorm

Figure 8: Ripper tine plough in operation 33

Calculating your water needs: Average rainfall per annum Rainfall during growing season = 80% of 500 mm Irrigation requirement for plants per day Growing season Safety factors = 80% of 400 mm Volume of water needed per m2 per season = 0,005 x 180 Volume additional water needed per m2 for growing season

500 mm (0,5 m) 400 mm 5 mm (0,005 m) 180 days 320 mm 0,9 m3 0,9 - 0,32 = 0,58 m3

Surface required in m2 to supply 0,58 m3 of water, if run-off is 100% and storage capacity is sufficient. Water required (m3) Total rainfall x 80% =

0,58 m3 0,5 m x 0,8 = 1,45 m2

calculation can be made of what the size of the run-off area should be for irrigating one square meter if the run-off is 100% and the storage space is large enough. Use the following method: Therefore, for 1 ha irrigation under these conditions, 0,58 x 10 000 = 5 800 m3 storage volume and 1,45 ha collection area is required. A very rough rule of thumb that can be used is 2 m2 collection area necessary for each m2 irrigation. Factors such as run-off potential and storage capacity must be considered when using this calculation. Where specific long-term rain data is available, more accurate calculations can be done.

Figure 9: Disc ripper plough Figure 10: Dams remain filled with water because of the smearing action caused by the disc ripper plough

References • Boers, Th. M. 1994. Rainwater harvesting in arid and semi-arid zones. • Prins, D. 1994. Water harvesting and sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. • Practical evaluations and experiments. (Praktiese evaluerings en eksperimentering) 1997. ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering (ARC-IAE), Silverton.

Collection of water from micro catchment area

ProAgri Zambia 22

info@agriserveagro.com +26 096-976-7272 Willem van Zyl Willem@agriserveagro.com +26 096-562-0775

• • • • • •

Check for radiator coolant leaks Check for blocked radiator Check engine oil level Check battery water level Check tyre pressure Check fuel and oil filters, replace when necessary. • Check air filter regularly and clean or replace when blocked • Check fuel level • Lubricate or grease ball joints on the steering and on the lift arms

Tractor safety and maintenance

by PJ van Biljon

ractor safety and maintenance is the first article in our new mechanisation series. The best attitude towards accidents is preventative care and caution. Mishaps and injuries happen before you realise it. The same goes for your tractor. Your attitude towards break-downs should always be preventative. Tractor safety: Before you start a tractor, you must know the basic safety procedures which are the following: • The tractor operator should thoroughly review the operator’s manual and undergo training from sales personnel before operating any newly acquired tractor.

Always ensure that the safety cover of the PTO-shaft is in place. ProAgri Zambia 22

• The tractor operator should clean the cab windows at least once a day and more often if necessary. • The tractor operator should conduct a safety check of the tractor at least once daily and more often if necessary: • The safety check should include the functionality of the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and steering system. • Never refuel a tractor while the engine is running. Engine fuels are highly combustible. • Make sure the tractor is in gear when traveling downhill. • When parking a tractor, always engage the hand brake. • Disconnect the earth wire when servicing batteries. • Make sure all the tractor gears are disengaged before starting the engine. • Never allow a passenger on a tractor. • Make sure the power take-off is disengaged before attempting to connect a PTO shaft to it. • The PTO shaft safety cover must always be in place. • Hitching of an implement must be done correctly and in a safe manner. Tractor maintenance: Tractor maintenance is very important to make sure the tractor is always in a good working condition for optimum performance and safety. The following basic daily tractor maintenance tasks must be executed according to this handy check list: • Check radiator coolant level

Before and when starting the engine: • Check to see that the gear shift lever is in neutral • Set engine throttle at idling speed • Depress clutch • Turn ignition key, wait for glow plug light to go out and start the engine • Check oil pressure warning light • Check battery charging warning light • With the clutch still disengaged choose a suitable gear and engage. • Disengage handbrake • Engage clutch and start moving Thus it is clear that to safely operate a tractor, proper care and maintenance are very important.

Never fill up your tractor while the engine is running. Always keep safety in mind when operating a tractor! A complete manual on tractor performance is available at the Institute. Contact Elmarie Stoltz at 012-842-4107 or e-mail stoltze@arc.agric.za. ProAgri Zambia acknowledges the Mechanisation and Precision Agriculture Division at the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering (ARCIAE) for the use of this article. The Institute participates in the development and support of farmers by means of various research projects, service delivery and training in required skills in the following agricultural engineering fields, namely Agricultural Mechanisation and Equipment, Precision Agriculture and Automation, Agricultural Water Resources, Conservation and Irrigation, Agricultural Structures and Environmental Engineering, Renewable Energy and Post-Harvest and Processing Engineering. 37

ProAgri Pro P ro oAgr Agr Ag gri ZZamb Zambia am amb am mb mbi bia ia 21 21

39 39

ProAgri Zambia 21

Reclaiming acidic or alkaline soils by correct use of ETG’s lime products S

oil pH is a measure of hydronium ion (H3O+, or more commonly the H+) activity in the soil solution. Activity is similar to concentration in non-salt affected soils. Soil pH influences many facets of crop production and soil chemistry, including the availability of nutrients and toxic substances, activities and the nature of microbial populations, as well as the activities of certain pesticides.

Soil pH determination Three soil pH ranges are particularly informative: 1. A pH < 7,0 indicates the presence of free acids, generally from oxidation of sulphides. These soils are called to be acidic. 2. A pH = 7 suggests the likely occurrence of H+ and are called neutral. 3. A pH > 7,0 indicates the presence of CaCO3 and these soils are called to be alkaline. Lime requirement of general soils This is the amount of a base (in practice, lime or calcium carbonate) needed to neutralise enough of the exchangeable acidity to raise soil pH to a desired value that is more suitable for crop growth. In most soils it has been noticed that pH tends to increase with depth. This is because the upper horizons receive maximum leaching by rainfall,

ProAgri Zambia 22

and by dissolved carbonic acid and organic acids which remove metal cations (for example Ca++, K+, Mg++) and replace them with H+ ions. Lower horizons are not so strongly leached and, in fact, in dryer areas may accumulate calcium and other materials removed from the upper soil. ETG supplies all the high quality products that farmers can use to neutralise their soils to the appropriate pH that is needed by the crops planted. Their range includes fast acting lime, such as their micronized lime.

and acidity conditions are observed while the crops are actively growing. • Can be applied with any type of farming (conventional, no till, minimum till, leased land or pasture) or growth medium. • Diminished volumes to be handled results in savings on transport costs, time and equipment.

Unique characteristics of ETG’s micronized lime: • Faster reaction time due to micro particle size. • Smaller particle size which gives larger reaction surface • 5 kg of micronized lime (<10 micron) does the job of 2 metric tonnes of conventional lime (0,7 – 1,2 micron) • Ease of application through any form of agricultural irrigation such as overhead sprinklers or centre pivots. • Application at any time of the year as well as when alkalinity

Farming experience with

Evelyne Sakala Simbeye by Zainab Pandor nuts and bambara nuts. She grows a variety of vegetables and maize for food security, and can't remember the last time she had to buy maize meal. Currently, her carrots cover half a hectare. Apart from carrots, she also grows chibwabwa, spinach, impwa, sweet peppers, cabbage, groundnuts, intoyo and sweet potatoes. She is in charge of the crops and her husband handles the livestock. In 2015, they started farming with cattle in Muchinga Province. During their childhood days, their parents were miners and the mine houses had huge yard Evelyne Sakala is a true inspiration spaces. They helped their parents for the next generation of farmers. to tend the gardens and raise chickens. Excess was sold at the “Nothing is impossible. By market. This is when the love for devoting my time to farming, I and devotion to farming began to am contributing to feeding the develop. Evelyne’s 0,5 ha carrot field is a feast for Evelyne’s first born is a medination.” the eyes. cal doctor, the second one is an – Evelyne Sakala Simbeye economist/financial analyst and with simple techniques for growing velyne Sakala Simbeye’s 6 hectare her son who is studying in the United healthier food using available local farm is located in New Makeni. Kingdom is graduating in July. The farm resources and sustain the existing She and her husband own another 8 is where her son was born and where unpolluted environment for themselves hectares of farmland in close proximher girls grew up. The kids have seen and generations to come. ity where they produce dryland crops their parents farming all their lives. “Talking about farming practices, including 2,5 hectares of maize, 2 As a part time farmer and being we usually hire a tractor to do the hectares of sweet potatoes and fresh formally employed at GES Architects ploughing and I give priority to my six beans and about 1 hectare of groundas Assistant Accountant and Hotel workers’ wives for piecework like makManager at Shaka-Chaka Lodge, ing ridges, weeding, et cetera. We are Evelyn is sometimes over burplanning to buy our own tractor soon. dened with too much work. For In terms of chemicals and fertilisers, one to succeed in farming, she we are trying to move away from them believes farm workers need 24/7 so as to grow our produce organically supervision. She is a member and and go green. “With farming, you often admin of the 230 000-member just happen to hit bad or good luck. If Facebook group, SSF (Small Scale luck is with me, I can sell my carrots Farming). Her shop is in Nkonde. at K15/kg but at one time I had to sell This is the business she falls back them at 50 ngwee per kg. Some crops on when losses are incurred in like tomatoes and onions have their farming. own share of challenges. Tomatoes are Having reached great heights, labour intensive and quite expensive to Evelyne and her husband own a grow, and onions take too long to harlodge in Lower Zambezi called vest. Livestock is farming profitable but Shaka Chaka Lodge, the gateway the initial investment is very high and to wild safaris and a retreat to more land space is required, placing discover the natural rhythms of this venture beyond the reach of many life. The lodge is located on the aspiring farmers,” says Evelyne. picturesque banks of the Zam“In the past, it was rare to see youth bezi River in the Chiawa Game venture into farming but not anymore. Management Area near the Lower Recalling those days when we shifted Zambezi National Park and is to the farm 21 years ago, our friends about 178 km from Lusaka. At and relatives laughed at us, and we their lodge, they serve organic were the only ones in the area. The foods. The small farm near the government should also encourage and lodge was acquired not only to establish a deliberate policy for people provide organic grown food but to start farming during their youth and Red creole onions will soon be sowed also to empower the local people not only after retirement.” directly onto this freshly prepared field.

ProAgri Zambia 22

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