ProAgri Zambia 45

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 45

Free

Master soil preparation with AGCO

Get ahead with Falcon technology

Irrigate any crop, any place in Africa

For the urban explorers Outdoor ready urban shoes

Tel: +27 (0)11 452 0340

T

he hand of China is visible in many aspects in Zambian life, and it is growing at a significant rate. Almost all of the infrastructure like stadiums, airports, roads, power stations and dams that popped up everywhere in the recent past, have a stamp of Chinese craftsmanship.

Zambia is an important part of China's "One Belt, One Road" programme to assist developing countries, and their ties stretch back over the past 55 years.

Zambia is ranked their second largest trading partner in Africa with Kenya in the lead. Trade between China and Zambia is constantly growing and reached a record value of 5 billion US$ last year with a year on year growth of 33,9%.

There are, however, negative sentiments against the Chinese due to the huge influx of Chinese workers, aggressive business practices and a possible “economic colonisation” of Zambia. But some Zambians are very positive about Chinese investors and the jobs they create. They feel that their products and technology stimulate and advance the economy. We have to admit that the overall Zambian landscape definitely changed for the better with the progress brought by the Chinese.

There is also a growing trend of Chinese involvement in agriculture. The Chinese firm, Zhongkai International, erected an ethanol processing plant in Chibombo district at a cost of over nine million US dollars. It will create 200

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jobs and another 600 000 people are expected to benefit from the project.

They require smallholder farmers to supply 150 tonnes of cassava feedstock on a daily basis.

A recent MoU worth 1,5 billion US$ was recently finalised with a Chinese organisation, China Rural Development Cooperation and the government, to invest in the Kalungwishi farming block in Northern Province. In recent months we’ve also heard of lucrative honey exporting contracts to China, that will open huge opportunities for local producers.

Academics described the current Chinese mode of agricultural engagement as “agro-capitalist”, but it is speculated that it may develop into an ‘agro-imperialist’ mode where huge firms push local farmers out of the market.

It is a big question whether it will start to happen on a grand scale. We’ve seen some cases arise, especially in the poultry business. Over the past ten years, local Chinese chicken farmers managed to put their products on the market at a much lower price than Zambians. This led to a government ban on foreigners selling live chickens.

Another question arises whether we shall soon see genuine Chinese farmers en masse in Zambia on a commercial or even enterprise farming level. Are they motivated and capable enough to till the land just like the African and even Western originating farmers? The Chinese are brilliant in construction, but farming in Africa is a niche industry and requires a special mindset and skillset…

This month we learn from AGCO how to properly prepare soil, and AFGRI, Falcon and Dauerhaft show how their mechanisation technology is perfectly suited for Zambian farmers. Novatek and Tiger Feeds pride themselves in their exquisite game and fish feed and Syngenta give valuable tips on crop production.

Farm smartly!

Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

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3.

Irrigation: Less effort; more accuracy: Farm Agrico green with blueberries

5.

Novatek get your fish to grow with Fish Post-Hatch sex reversal feed

7.

Tiger Feeds supplementary feeding: Keep game and wildlife healthy and happy

9.

Dauerhaft: Manufactured in South Africa, recognised internationally

10.

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 2

14.

Farmers harvest AFGRI’s expertise in Mkushi

17.

AGCO: Seize the big window of opportunity this planting season!

19.

Falcon is on top of intelligent crop production

21.

The operation and application of medium and big square balers: Part 2

24.

Fertigate for soil health and profit. Part 3

27.

Make more from your crops: Processing of oil seeds. Part 20

31.

Soil water sensors reveal subsoil conditions. Part 3

ProAgri Zambia 45

Cover

Letter from the Editor

From huge centre pivots to minute micro-irrigation, Agrico gives you control over your water application. Read on page 3 how a blueberry farm gets maximum yields out of the water and nutrients supplied by an automated precision Agrico irrigation system.

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Nangwenya House No. 7352 Nangwenya Road Rhodespark +26 (0)97-769-9786 www.proagri.co.za Copyright © 2019. All rights r­ eserved. No m ­ aterial, text or p ­ hoto­graphs may be r­ eproduced, copied or in any other way t­ ransmitted without the written consent of the publisher. O ­ pinions ­expressed are not n ­ ecessarily those of the publisher or of the e ­ ditor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their r­ espective o ­ wners.

ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.

ProAgri Zambia Editor Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za Reporters Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Jaco Cilliers > +27 71-893-6477 jaco@proagri.co.za Senior Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@proagri.co.za Marketing Manager Diane Grobler > +27 82-555-6866 diane@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Anelda Strauss > +27 74-424-0055 anelda@proagri.co.za Gerhard Potgieter > +27 74-694-4422 gerhard@proagri.co.za Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Design Christiaan Joubert > christiaan@proagri.co.za Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

1

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Irrigation

Less effort; more accuracy:

Farm Agrico green with blueberries

by Annemarie Bremner

These blueberries grow to full potential because they get all the water and nutrients they need, when they need it.

“I

feel more in control of my farm,” says Ernst Myburg of the farm Lekkerwater near Porterville in the Cape province of South Africa. Ernst and his wife, Alana, took the big step on their blueberry farm with an improved and automated irrigation system.

“You cannot afford not to join the precision irrigation revolution,” he says.

Ernst says he was used to opening and closing irrigation valves manually, and before you realised it block A was flooded while the berries in block B were parched. Now he feels fully in control monitoring the irrigation on his berry farm from anywhere in the world using his smartphone.

He uses the technological solutions provided by Agrico. Agrico joined efforts with their suppliers to install a tailor-made system on Ernst’s farm to suit his needs.

“People should not only think of Agrico as a centre pivot company,” says Alfred Andrag, Operational Director of this established agricultural enterprise, dedicated to transform the whole of Southern Africa to Agrico-green farming.

Centre pivots are only one part of Agrico’s total water management solution. Agrico also specialises in micro-

and drip-irrigation systems and supplies components such as pumps, valves, pipes, filters, controllers, management systems and smart designs.

“In order to get the system to work effectively on Lekkerwater, we had to pump the water from a dam higher up in the mountains through a pump station that is situated lower than the berry fields,” says Johan Burger, Design Engineer for Agrico.

The water is pumped through an AZUD filterbank to remove any impurities. After filtration, fertiliser and biological additives are injected and thoroughly mixed with the water, and the pH level is corrected to suit the needs of the berries.

The reason why the pump station must be lower than the berry fields is to prevent the build-up of air in the pipes, causing delayed and inaccurate response of the system. The berries are not irrigated for long periods but rather with a pulsating irrigation technique.

Johan says: “You have to feed the plant with the enriched water during the day while it grows, but without applying too much water and drowning it.

We typically irrigate for five minutes at a time with 30 to 40 minute intervals.”

The pipes are fitted with non-return valves to ensure that there is immediate application when the short irrigation cycle starts by excluding air from the pipes.

The length of the irrigation cycle can be adapted according to the size of the plants and other conditions such as heat, wind and rain. This method also provides the most effective way of measuring and applying liquid fertiliser.

The pH (acidity) and EC (electric conductivity used to measure the quantity of fertiliser in the water) are monitored constantly at various points in the system, and different tanks containing different fertilisers can be connected to the system. The measuring and application of fertiliser is controlled by a computer. Accurate application is vital; not just for plant health but also to prevent blockages in the system and the buildup of salt residue in the soil.

Certain fertilisers cannot be premixed due to dangerous chemical reactions that can occur.

After every substance is added, the main line has a couple of bends to ensure turbulent flow and adequate mixing of all the chemicals with the water.

Hydrogen peroxide or enriched oxygen can also be added to the water when needed to prevent sediment building up in the system.

Control valves for the various irrigation blocks are situated in the pump station and are automatically opened and closed by the computer.

Ernst says that the filter and pump station were sized to allow him to potentially expand further. He is also not limited to planting blueberries, and he is currently looking at the viability of citrus. The current system can easily be adapted to suit citrus farming.

“The new system eliminates many irrigation problems: it works like a dream,” says Ernst.

Contact Alfred Andrag at +27-82-824-1214 or +27-21950-4111, or send an e-mail to alfred.andrag@agrico.co.za to farm Agrico green.

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This is the neatly built pump station on Ernst Myburg’s farm, Lekkerwater, near Porterville. The pressure pump (1) forces the water through the filters (2). From the fertiliser tanks (3), each substance is accurately measured and automatically added (4) before going to each of the irrigation blocks. Valves (5) that control the irrigation to the various blocks are opened and closed automatically by an irrigation controller.

ProAgri Zambia 45

3

Get your fish to grow with …

Fish Post-Hatch sex reversal feed

by Robert Kanyembo

tosterone alpha 17, the hormone responsible for sex-reversal in fish fries (fingerlings in wait).

Fish Post-Hatch is produced in a special department at Novatek’s main factory. The idea behind the development of this sex reversal feed came after realising fingerlings were scarce to many fish farmers because they are mostly situated in rural parts of the country.

Their fingerlings were also breeding earlier than six months.

Inbreeding is definitely a result of fingerlings not being sex reversed properly or not sex reversed at all. With an already treated feed, farmers can actually grow their own fingerlings. Through the Department of Aquaculture Research and Development at Novatek, we train farmers to be able to produce their own on-farm fingerlings. This will enable them to supply themselves and their neighbours who need fingerlings, but are unable to buy from far outlying hatcheries across the country.

Robert Kanyembo, Aquaculture Research and Development Manager, Novatek Animal Feeds Zambia, shows Fish Post Hatch fish feed.

O

n one fine day, I received a call from one of our clients who needed advice on what to feed his fish. When he explained his situation, I decided to go to his ponds to have a look. What I found was a typical example of what is transpiring with most small-scale fish farmers – inbreeding. This has been a detriment to aquaculture growth and fish farming as a business in this country.

The problem with inbreeding is that feeding becomes difficult in that you cannot administer a single feed for a particular fish size. Secondly, the fish stops (reduces) growing when inbreeding starts early in a pond. The scientific reason behind this is that, unreversed fish, once mature (breams mature early) tend to channel energies from feeds to gonadal development in order to reproduce or breed. Once they start

An on-farm hatchery at Chief Kanyama’s Palace in Mwinilunga District.

breeding, the fish’s concentration is on reproduction rather than growth. On the other hand, if you sex reverse your fish, the fish’s hormonal balance is altered by increasing the male hormones over female hormones.

This art compels all fish, males and females, especially females, to act like males. When this is achieved, the energies obtained from feed would be channelled to somatic growth (cell division) which leads to growth. In short, cell division is growth.

Even when the fish is not sex reversed, males grow much faster and bigger than females. This is why we advise fish farmers to always buy fingerlings that are sex-reversed. This problem is very common in small-scale fish farmers who actually are the majority of farmers in Zambia and aquaculture in general.

Coupled with management, the quality of seed, fingerlings and fish feed can either shorten or prolong a fish cycle.

Of course, other factors like water quality and environmental parameters such as temperature ought to be favourable.

Going back to the inbreeding issue, fish farmers need to buy fingerlings from reputable hatcheries across the country to avoid such challenges of stunted growth due to inbreeding. This is not to say the hormone needed for the sexreversal process is easily accessible and cheap. It is actually expensive.

As part of our role in the advancement of aquaculture development in Zambia, Novatek Animal Feeds took the initiative to develop a fish feed that would eliminate the problem of selling unreversed fingerlings to fish farmers. The product is called Fish Post-Hatch 45% 0,2 mm.

This product is treated with methyl tes-

ProAgri Zambia 45

Chief Kanyama’s hatchery sells fingerlings to CEEC beneficiaries.

Today, Fish Post-Hatch is widely used by established hatcheries in the country as it is user-friendly and it has no effect on the end-user. For those intending to start their own on-farm hatcheries or commercial hatcheries under Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission, CEEC, there is an easy way. Fish PostHatch replaces the need for you to go through the hectic process of buying and importing sex reversal hormones as well as the risk of sourcing, importation and preparation. Novatek has actually bought it for you already.

To achieve uniformity in growth throughout a fish stock, fish farmers are advised to buy sex reversed fish from reputable fingerlings suppliers to obtain reasonable fish yields.

To learn more about fish and their requirements, contact Wiehan Visagie at wiehan.visagie@ novatek.co.zm or Marné Meyer at nutritionist@novatek.co.zm.

5

GAME PELLETS

HORSE AND GAME BLOCK (25kg)

the ration is formulated to supply all the nutritional requirements of game kept in pens or are subject to minimal or poor quality grazing.

3.63% of protein is derived from NPN sources.

urea free the horse and game block is a source of protein and trace minerals to be supplemented to horses, all types of antelope and ruminant game

feeding reccomendations

feeding reccomendations

ad lib

Game: 950 g - 1.2 kgs / animal / day (bigger game) 200 g - 300 g / animal / day (smaller game) Horses: ad lib with free access to water

nutrient quantity unit

max / min

nutrient quantity unit

max / min

Protein Fat Fiber Moisture Calcium Phosphorus

Min Min Min Max Min Min

Protein Fat Fiber Moisture Calcium Phosphorus

Min Min Max Max Min Min

110.0 20.0 110.0 120.0 6.0 2.5

g/kg g/kg g/kg g/kg g/kg g/kg

quality animal feed 096 676 3650 096 785 5495

140.0 25.0 75.0 120.0 12.0 10.0

g/kg g/kg g/kg g/kg g/kg g/kg

Tiger Feeds supplementary feeding: Keep game and wildlife healthy and happy

by Rowena Blanco, Nutritionist: Tiger Animal Feeds

Blue wildebeest will remain in shape during the tough winter months with the help of Tiger Feeds’ Game Blocks.

Keep your game happy and healthy right through the year with Tiger Feeds’ game supplements.

Y

ou may ask why should one need to feed game species if they already have natural grazing or browsing to live on? There are very good reasons. Supplementary feeding of wildlife is necessary for the following reasons: • Providing additional food resources to wildlife in emergency situations when natural foods become unavailable or are severely restricted due to drought.

• To improve the condition of individual animals in respect of body mass, growth rates and antler size or population performance in respect of survival, fecundity, restoration growth.

• Attracting or luring wildlife to alternative locations to reduce damage to agricultural crops or even livestock or to reduce threats to human health and safety.

• Artificially attracting or concentrating wildlife to enhance recreational activities such as hunting, wildlife viewing and photography.

Feeding a nutritionally acceptable supplementary diet to captive and free-ranging wildlife can improve body condition, increase survival rates, and enhance reproductive performance.

The magnitude of the response is proportional to the severity of the nutritional stress and the quantity and quality of available native forages.

Tiger Animal Feeds realised the need to provide game and wildlife with a nutritionally balanced ration for the very reasons stated above, hence we have produced the following products: Game Pellets and Game Blocks.

These rations are specifically formulated for the needs of game and other wildlife during the periods of limited forage availability. It is also formulated to supply all the nutritional requirements of game kept in pens or subject to minimal or poor quality grazing.

The Game Block is a source of protein and trace minerals, and suitable for all types of antelope, ruminant game and horses. 3,63% of protein is derived from NPN sources.

The game feed range is totally safe to use and within specifications. It is approved by AFMA (Animal Feed Manufacturing Association) and supplied by Astral Foods.

Kudu need extra protein and trace minerals during difficult times.

Black and red impala will benefit from supplements when natural grazing is scarce.

ProAgri Zambia 45

Visit Tiger Animal Feeds’ main office or sales depots throughout the country for valuable technical services free of charge, and keep abreast of progress in livestock management information. Contact Given Hamanungu, Technical Advisor, at +26-097-540-3834 or givenhams@gmail.com for more information.

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C AT T L E & S M A L L S T O C K

M ANAGE MENT INFO R MATIO N D A Y

16th October 2019 08:30HRS – 17:00HRS THE AMERICAN DOME, LUSAKA SHOWGROUNDS

| C AT T L E | G O AT S | SHEEP

International & Local guest speakers

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Farmfeed Limited

ProAgri Zambia 45

NERIA’S INVESTMENTS LTD LEADERS IN AGRO COMMODITY TRADING THE MOST AFFORDABLE P R I C E S O F CO M P O U N D D A N D U R E A I N T H E CO U N T R Y

Saturnia House, Opp. Ndeke Hotel Longacre’s Tel: +260 211 244 505/6

E-mail: info@neriainvestments.com

Manufactured in South Africa, recognised internationally

www.neriainvestments.com

German genes at work

Launch special No till, conservation pasture and fine seed planter

A

n increasing number of African farmers are buying their internationalquality planters form Piketberg in the Western Cape, South Africa.

With international-quality planters designed by some of the country's top engineers, South Africa is stealing the limelight from international brands.

Farmers in countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya, claim that they've never come across such high quality standards at the prices that Piketberg offers the market.

The manufacturer, Piket Implements, says, "It is simple really, we uphold our international standards, but we manufacture in South Africa which is much more cost effective. We have been supplying South Africa, Namibia and Botswana since 1933 and identified a need for our implements throughout the rest of Africa as well. We have since appointed Dauerhaft Pty Ltd to spread our message throughout the rest of Africa by expanding into various African countries for the first time."

This is clearly a winning combination for the 80 year old manufacturer. Farmers are excited to see what else Piketberg has in store for them in the near future.

Dauerhaft Pty Ltd 6 Kikuyu Road, Sunninghill, Johannesburg

From

$ 8 570 in Lusaka

Subject to exchange rate

Maize, soya and wheat planter From

$ 3 870 in Lusaka

Demo model available at Livestock Services, Lusaka

+27 (0)11 236 8603

info@dauerhaft.co.za

ProAgri Zambia 45

Subject to exchange rate

www.dauerhaft.co.za

9

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle Part 2: Different dairy cattle breeds and basic requirements Eksteen Lindeque and Petrus Britz (Pr. Eng.)

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ProAgri Zambia 45

D

airy cattle breeds differ in many ways. Some breeds adapt better than others in particular environmental circumstances and the quantities of milk, butter fat and protein content in their milk also vary.

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

Table 1 gives summarised characteristics of the different dairy cattle breeds in South Africa. The average values for milk production, butterfat content and protein content were obtained from the various cattle breeding societies.

Milk production and composition The following factors have an influence on milk production (Engelbrecht, 1991): • Lactation stage: After calving, the production increases to reach a peak after 30 to 60 days. A gradual decrease of 5 to 6% per

•

• • • •

• •

month takes place until the end of the lactation period.

Feeding and body reserves: The quality and volume of fodder can influence the milk production positively or negatively. Withdrawal of reserves causes a decrease in mass and can have an influence on production.

Age of the cow.

Breed of the cow.

Size of the cow.

Number of milkings per day.

Instead of two milkings per day, three milkings per day can induce an increase in production of 10% to 25%. With two milkings per day, there is no significant difference between 12 hours, 10 to 14 hours, or even 8 to 16-hour intervals between milkings.

Oestrus.

Dry periods: The normal lactation period for dairy cattle is 300 days. The ideal calving interval is

365 days. A dry period of approximately 60 days is not only recommended, but it is essential.

The composition of milk is as follows: • Water - 87% • Butter fat - 4% • Protein - 3,4% • Lactose - 4,8% • Minerals - 0,8%

There is no significant difference between daily milking intervals.

Average Breed

Origin

Ayrshire

District Ayr in Southwest Scotland

Guernsey

Guernsey Island

Holstein

Northern parts of Netherlands

Jersey

SA Dairy Swiss

Bull mass (kg)

840

725

1 000

Jersey Island

680

Swiss Alps

1 000 – 1 300

Cow mass (kg)

450 – 500

450

550 – 650

380 – 450

600 – 700

Milk production (kg)

6 538*

5 170*

7 669

5 039

5 893*

Butterfat content (%)

3,79

4,41

3,54

4,57

3,75

Protein content (%)

Other features and attributes

3,32

Excellently formed udders with good attachment to body. Do not experience excessive hoof and leg problems. Non-selective feeders that thrive in extensive conditions. The cows calf easily, calves are energetic, strong and easy to raise. Their size allows reasonably good results if slaughtered. Milk is white with a reasonable high butterfat content.

3,46

Known for their well-formed udders with strong attachment. No known adverse genetic deviations. Easily adaptable in warmer climate. Ideal for a grazing system. Cows calf easily, are mostly pubescent at an early age and heifers calf before they are 22 months old. Milk is rich, with a high butterfat content and a good deep colour - ideal for making dairy products such as feta cheese.

3,12

Because of a 'flat' pelvis and weak bone structure, problems are sometimes encountered with calving. They have a very efficient fodder turnover.

Known for their high milk production with a relatively low butterfat content. They are easy to milk and are good-natured.

3,64

Very lean. Well formed udders with strong attachment to body. Very good form of the pelvis contributes to few calving problems. Adaptable to a wide range of climatic and geographical conditions – more tolerant to heat than larger breeds.

Excellent on grazing and perform well in intensive grazing programmes. An excellent characteristic is their yellow milk with a high butterfat content.

Their milk also has the highest protein content of all the breeds. The cows are good-natured but bulls can be aggressive.

3,36

Known for their strong hoofs and legs, good fertility, longevity and cows that calf easily. Cows have large, strong udders that enable them to produce large quantities of milk of high quality. Their milk is good for the making of choice cheeses.

* Regardless of number of milkings per day Table 1: The characteristics of different cattle breeds.

ProAgri Zambia 45

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+27 (0)12 666 8717

ProAgri Zambia 45

Colostrum (g/100g)

Full milk (g/100g)

Fat-free solids

18,5

8,6

Butterfat

3,6

3,5

Protein

14,3

3,3

Lactose

3,1

4,6

Dry material

22,1

12,1

Table 2: The difference in combination of colostrum and full milk (Engelbrecht, 1991). The above values vary in different cattle breeds.

Water requirements Water is necessary for digestion and body functioning. Insufficient water supply can decrease milk yields. Make sure that the water is cool and sufficient to provide in the cow’s needs. A dairy cow’s appetite for water can be fulfilled long before she reaches her capacity. If the water flows into the trough too slowly, she will be quite satisfied, but her milk yield can decrease with as much as 25%.

The quantity of drinking water needed by a dairy cow depends on the physiological condition of the animal.

Age, the tempo of her mass increment, live mass, whether the cow is in the lactating or dry period, and even the breed influences her water needs.

Weather conditions play an important role in the quantity of water that a cow will drink.

During hot weather conditions she will drink more to cool down and to compensate for water loss by perspiration. As a rule of thumb, it can be accepted that a cow needs between four and seven litres of water for each kilogram dry fodder eaten. The water content of fodder varies from less than 10% to more than 93%. The higher the water content of the fodder, the less water will be required. The British Agricultural Research Council (ARC, 1980) gives the following comparison for determining water requirements:

Water balance Absorbed

Discharged

Dry cow

Lactating cow

From the crib

26

51

With the fodder

1

2

Rotation water

2

3

Total

29

56

By defecation

12

19

By urination

7

11

By evaporation

10

14

By milking

0

12

Total

29

56

•

Middle and late lactation: 140 to 300 days (decreasing milk production) after calving Dry period: 60 to 14 days before lactation Transition or near-calving period: 14 days before calving

Table 3: Daily water balance. throughout the day with a noticeable peak after the afternoon milking. Up to 30% of the day's water intake can take place after the afternoon milking session. Cows drink very little from midnight until after the morning milking. To ensure sufficient water supply, a herd of 100 cows should have a peak requirement of 3 000 litres of water.

Water troughs should be large enough to handle this volume of water.

• •

Next month we shall look at environmental requirements for dairy cows. Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals.

Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

NoseRing NoseRing®

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

Iw = 12,3 + 2,15Id + 0,73M Where: Iw = water intake (litre) Id = dry material intake (kg) M = live mass (kg)

Different volumes of fodder are needed for different lactation and gestation stages.

Table 3 compares the water requirements of a lactating cow with that of a dry cow.

Rotation water is the water released by the breakdown of organic compounds. The breakdown of fats releases reasonably large volumes of water.

Note that evaporation water in this study exceeded the water in the milk and that more water was discharged by means of defecation than by urination.

Cows that graze and have access to water day and night, will drink water

Fodder requirements Fodder requirements of dairy cows vary with the stages of lactation and gestation. Five determined feeding phases can be identified to obtain optimal production, reproduction and health of cows: • Early lactation: 0 to 70 days (peak milk production) after calving • Peak dry fodder intake: 70 to 140 days (decreasing milk production) after calving

ProAgri Zambia 45

Whole Concepts cc PO Box 1806, Vryburg,8600, South Afr

NoseRing® is available at Livestock Services, Lusaka – Pamodzi Highway, off Nangwenya Road, Showgrounds; Tel: 0211-254497 / 254024; E-mail: admin@livestock.co.zm

Tel: +27 (0)5 Cell: +27 (0)8 E-mail: judy@nos Tel: +27 (0)53 927 4999 www.nos Cell: +27 (0)82 459 9451 judy@nosering.co.za

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13

AFGRI and their suppliers neatly presented their wide variety of useful equipment for small and commercial farmers.

Farmers harvest AFGRI’s expertise in Mkushi F

armers from all over once again had an excellent look and feel opportunity of prime equipment during the recent AFGRI Farmers’ day in Mkushi.

This yearly event, which has been running for the past three years, brings agricultural equipment suppliers into one arena to showcase and demonstrate their machines. Farmers came from far and wide to see how the latest technologically advanced machines, as well as stalwart workhorses, do their thing.

“It was a day of sharing knowledge, and I believe our farmers were able to walk away with a lot of information to make well-informed purchase decisions next season,” Katuna Sinyangwe, AFGRI Sales and Marketing Manager: Equipment, in Zambia says. “It was also a practical day. It helped farmers to see how our equipment works in real farming conditions.”

AFGRI demonstrated the latest technology in their 8R series of tractors and the new SF3 guidance accuracy. For the first time in Zambia, they also revealed the new 730 Flexible Draper combine header that tremendously cuts back the amount of header loss when harvesting soya beans. Their equipment specialists from Orthman, LEMKEN, John Deere Financial and RovicLeers Africa flew up

from South Africa to attend this special day and assist in any questions the farmers had.

Katuna stated that he is glad farmers asked the experts who manufacture these machines many questions. “It will give them many advantages above the rest, since questions concerning the benefits as well as the efficiency of these products are crucial in making the right decisions,” he says. “I believe by now all the farmers know that we are the dealers of John Deere in Zambia and therefore we can offer tractors catering for every possible application for every possible farmer. Now we also offer the multipurpose 5E Utility tractor series with a kilowatt range from 37,4 to 74,6.”

The event was well-attended by commercial farmers and the sizes of the machines displayed were right up their alley. Even John Deere’s huge and latest 7-series combine harvester was shining with pride. But although it was largely a commercial field day, AFGRI also presented tractors for smaller farmers.

To show their willingness and ability to support the small-scale farming sector, AFGRI also demonstrated equipment suitable for small farmers. AFGRI showed that they are equipped to help them to grow their businesses over time,

The Wajanja three-point chisel plough from RovicLeers is built in South Africa for African conditions. getting to be more profitable and efficient in their farming practice. Wimpie Bothma, AGRI Equipment Branch Manager in Mkushi, emphasised that events of this nature are very important for the smaller farmers to gain real experience.

“We don’t just speak about equipment and try to sell it. We get into the fields with the farmer, let them have the feel and have an experience. If a tractor passes through with an implement, they can get behind it, dig into the soil and

Serious farmers from far and wide attended the recent AFGRI field demo day in Mkushi to see and learn more about farming equipment.

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Even under difficult African conditions, the German-made LEMKEN Rubin 12 compact disc harrow ensures intensive and homogeneous mixing of organic matter and soil, while consolidating the soil to form a neat seedbed.

see the results for themselves.”

The other equipment suppliers also did a great job displaying the best that they have to offer to make farming ventures more profitable. Stara Zambia displayed some of their equipment, ranging from their variable lime spreader to drawn sprayers, and Agricon displayed and demonstrated their top of the range Case and Kuhn equipment.

But agriculture can go nowhere without including the whole product spectrum, and equipment is useless without input suppliers. “The last two years the annual field day just included the agricultural equipment suppliers in Mkushi, but this year we decided to do it a bit different, involving all our local Mkushi agricultural input suppliers that were interested to join,” Wimpie says.

“In total we had 15 suppliers participating on the day, he says. “They ranged from well-known chemical suppliers like Agri-Wes, ATS, Syngenta, Amiran and E and G Agri Services, to the irrigation specialists, Aqua Aura and Agrico. The seed company, SeedCo, was also there to display their products.

Our local feed and animal care supplier, Raptors, did not disappoint. Financial institutions, Stanbic and Zanaco, were also present to offer expert advice to the farmers on how they can help them to expand their business. The lively one-on-one interaction between farmers and suppliers proved to be beneficial for everyone and contributed to a very successful day.”

“A day like this is important, because this is the point when farmers are about to harvest their wheat. This is the good time to show them what sort of equipment is available especially for them to plan for next season,” Katuna says.

He disclosed that during the demo field day John Deere did not exhibit any new tractor models, but farmers should be on the look-out for new models that are to be unveiled within the next few months. “Most of the new equipment, especially on the John Deere tractor side, will be launched soon.”

Nothing speaks like the real deal. Farmers had the opportunity to get their hands dirty in the cultivated soil to see for themselves how the equipment performed.

The 1tRIPr strip-tiller is designed to adhere to the three principles of precision tillage, namely ideal seedbed preparation, optimal root zone conditioning and precise nutrition placement. The John Deere 7830 has a 6-cylinder, 6,8-litre engine and delivers 153 kW. Although farmers’ belts have been tightened over the past few years due to the drought and unfavourable political conditions, the attendance was very good. “I for one believe that the agricultural sector of Zambia is at long last beginning to turn for the better,” Katuna says. The overall outcome of the day was very positive, and it indicates that next year’s event will only be better!

AFGRI caters for every farmer in Zambia, including you. Contact Katuna Sinyangwe at +260-762172-412 or sales@afgri.com.zm for more information.

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A Massey Ferguson 4708 working the soil with a 3-tine ripper.

Soil preparation:

Seize the big window of opportunity this planting season!

Opinion piece by Dr Ben Ngwene, AGCO

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hile the Southern African region endures a persisting drought that started back in October 2018, planting season 2019 is fast approaching.

Farmers have to make crucial decisions on how to recover from last season’s double-digit decline in crop harvests.

Land preparation is where everything begins. This is the big window of opportunity for farmers to prepare for summer grains and oilseed planting.

The recent forecast of improved regional rainfall by the Southern African Development Community meteorologists is certainly encouraging news in the faith business of farming.

This year’s planting season is expected to start in late November, which gives farmers from now until mid-November to apply best-practice cultivation techniques to prepare the soil. With the understanding that we cultivate to create best soil-to-seed contact, and to avoid soil clods for optimal germination, we must consider the farm’s soil type, moisture level and the crop to grow. Check for soil compaction and if present, take the necessary action such as subsoiling or ripping to break the compacted layer. This will open up soil volume that has been previously unavailable to your crops.

The ideal cultivation technique is to disturb the soil as little as possible.

Roots will grow much faster, deeper and easier when the soil is not compacted.

That means minimising the size and the depth of cultivation by applying minimum tillage and cultivating the soil only where the plant is to be seeded.

Less soil disturbance (rip instead of plough) will conserve more moisture and soil organic matter which is generally very low in African soils and one of the main reasons for low yields.

Soil organic matter (dead and decaying plant or animal material, and soil organisms) improves soil structure,

retains and supplies nutrients, and also retains moisture. So, be as conservative as possible with your tillage.

Ploughing creates a reasonably suitable seedbed, but it has a negative effect on soil moisture and organic matter. A good quality, hard-wearing two to five tine subsoiler or ripper made of high-quality steel tines of 30 mm thickness will achieve perfect deep breaking of the soil pan and a good finishing for seeding. Moisture and nutrient availability to your plants will be affected by how you cultivate your soil in the short and long term. It also goes without saying that growing the same crop on your land for several years, simply depletes the soil nutrients. Crop rotation is always advisable – particularly rotating between maize and a legume like soya bean or groundnut.

This will enrich the soil with nitrogen and reduce farmers’ fertiliser costs.

So, with the rain forecast and the International Grains Council’s preliminary estimates for the 2019/2020 maize production season projected to be 16% higher than the current season, the region can certainly anticipate a positive planting season. Just remember to prepare a fine seed bed for good soil-to-seed contact as we wait for the southern rains to provide us with adequate soil moisture to begin planting.

Dr Benard Ngwene is the Agricultural Advisory Manager for AGCO Africa.

He is a highly enthusiastic and motivated agricultural scientist, with exceptional knowledge of rhizosphere processes and involved in defining mechanisation solutions for smallholders and emerging farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information on AGCO’s fine equipment and agricultural courses, send an e-mail to Benard.Ngwene@agcocorp.com

AGCO Future Farm in Lusaka, Zambia provides smart solutions for farmers, giving them access to tools that will allow them to use fewer resources more efficiently and creating a more sustainable food production system.

TRAINING INCLUDES: Agronomy Crop establishment Harvesting Crop nutrition Crop storage Crop protection Farm business management

Mechanisation Tractor fundamentals Tractor driving introduction Tractor maintenance & basic operation

For more information on training solutions offered at the AGCO Future Farm, please contact: Kalongo Chitengi | +260 979701936 | info_agcofuturefarm@agcocorp.com ProAgri Zambia 45

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Intelligent crop production: A view on the future of technology in farming and some of the technologies currently being tested

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he need for precision and automation in agricultural machinery will continue to increase in the future in order to ensure the optimum development of crops with reliable yields and good quality, whilst reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers. This means maintaining yields, saving costs and conserving the environment.

Amazone, the leader in German innovation and technology, aims towards delivering intelligent crop production by focusing on solutions to many of the challenges they see for the future of agriculture. We take a look at some of the innovations that Amazone has brought to the market and is in the process of developing and testing, which may impact the future of farming.

Innovations in fertilising technology One of the challenges in precision spreading is the application of different fertilisers which have been mixed together either to save on the number of applications or operating costs. If the constituents have different physical characteristics, they segregate during spreading and are distributed over different working widths. This is more difficult at increasing working widths and finding the right setting for every constituent is usually impossible. Amazone has developed the EasyMix App, a tool which works out setting recommendations for blended fertilisers and determines the best possible compromise for different mixtures. The mySpreader App will be a combination of the existing FertiliserService App, which has been used successfully for many years, the relatively new EasyCheck App (digital mobile test kit) and the EasyMix App.

The mySpreader App will be the first allin-one package combining each of these tools for perfect spreader adjustment.

Further innovations in spreading technology have been developed with HeadlandControl for the ZA-TS, including further optimisation of the switching behaviour of the part-width section control, allowing for an even more precise automatic switching at the headland or in wedge-shaped fields.

Innovation in crop protection technology An exciting innovation in crop protection comes in the form of the SmartSprayer joint project, where crop protection technology meets camera technology and expert knowledge with the combined expertise of Bosch, xarvioTM and Amazone. With SmartSprayer it is now possible to automatically detect weeds in

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row crops in real time (“green-in-green” detection), using software based on economic thresholds to make an application decision and perform partial area application of the latest crop protection technology down to individual plant level. Potential savings of between 20 and 60% is possible, since spraying only takes place when required.

Further development in weed control comes in the form of the new AmaSelect Spot with DroneLink which offers partarea, site-specific weed treatment based on highly accurate drone photographs.

The area to be treated is flown over by a drone equipped with a special RGB camera suitable for mapping. The photos are then geo-tagged, and the individual pictures are merged into a total map.

The DroneLink software then analyses the map and physical crop plants as opposed to individual weeds which are separated by using artificial intelligence.

One of the challenges in crop protection is the potential under-dosing or over-dosing of plant protection products when driving around bends. Over-dosing may lead to significant weakening of the crop or even total crop failure. Underdosing in the outside area may result in incomplete suppression of the weeds and fungal diseases, and might lead to resistance development. These losses are now prevented by the AmaSelect CurveControl which keeps the application rate as constant as possible across the whole of the boom width when driving around bends.

Even more exciting is that Amazone has now gone further by introducing the latest in boom guidance by adding ContourControl active boom control and SwingStop vibration dampening to their Super L-2 and L-3 booms. The new active ContourControl boom guidance

by Amazone offers innovative technology that fulfills the requirements of higher working speeds with the highest application precision as tested by the Julius Kühn Institute, where it scored the highest possible value of a 100 from a measuring index of 0 - 100. These results were sealed by the words “A boom cannot follow the contour any better.”

With innovation in all areas of expertise, it is Amazone’s goal to continue to serve as the global specialist in “intelligent crop production” and the first port of call for farmers, contractors and machinery rings. We look forward to some of these innovations being available in the South and Sub-Saharan African markets following their testing and viability

by Amazone in Europe.

For more information on Amazone in Zambia, contact any of their authorised dealers or the importer directly: Tel: +27(0)33-330-5787 Falcon Agricultural Equipment www.falconequipment.co.za.

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The operation and application of medium and big square balers Part 1: Bale sizes, designs and component functions

by GJ Stoltz (Reg Eng Tech)

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his month we start with our series on balers with an indepth look at square balers and their benefits for feed production.

Stationary balers were welldesigned and popular with farmers many years ago. By the 1930s, a few companies had converted stationary balers into mobile square balers by adding a pick-up attachment, but the major development came when automatic twine-tie and wire-tie mechanisms were developed.

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

Baling is a packaging operation and baling is better and more effective than any other hay packaging method.

Loose hay takes twice as much storage space as baled hay and baled hay makes long distance transportation more feasible.

Square balers are classified by the power source required, the size of the bale produced, and the method of binding the bales – twine-tie or wire-tie.

The tractor must be powerful enough to maintain a constant engine speed during baling, and have enough forward speeds to match crop conditions.

This article series discusses the operational features of the medium square as well as the big square baler.

Modern square balers have the flywheel mounted on the PTO drive shaft with a safety slip clutch mounted in front of the flywheel. The flywheel absorbs shocks during the baling process.

Bale sizes Hay bales are produced in four sizes, namely: • 355 x 457 x 914 mm, and weighs approximately 22 kg • 406 x 457 x 914 mm, and weighs approximately 32 kg • 406 x 610 x 1 219 mm, and weighs approximately 57 kg • 1 220 x 1 220 x 2 440 mm, and weighs approximately 908 kg The last bale size is a bale that is produced by a big square baler, also called a big pack baler. The operational features of this baler will be discussed at a later stage. (See Figures 1 and 2.)

Figure 1: A medium square baler in action.

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Figure 2: A big square baler in action with its bale accumulator.

The medium square baler List of primary components: • Pick-up • Compressors • Tongue • PTO drive shaft • Pick-up lift crank • Plunger inside the bale chamber • Feeder teeth • Auger • Flywheel • Needles • Bale chute • Tension bars • Tension cranks • Bale chamber • Bale measuring wheel • Wire twister or twine knotter 21

Latest designs Nowadays there are a wide choice of square balers available that feature a straight-forward and rugged drive layout, a pick-up that rakes up the crop from the field and form bales that are densely packed and stored for long periods (see Figure 5).

Figure 3: Front view of a square baler.

Figure 4: Rear view of a square baler.

The following primary components are shown in Figure 5: 1. Adjustable drawbar to ensure correct hitching on all tractors.

2. Extended drawbar with a two-section PTO shaft.

3. Adjustable support jack for easy hitching.

4. Slip clutch on the PTO shaft, and a shear bolt on the flywheel to protect the baler. The built-in freewheel mechanism protects the tractor's transmission.

5. A heavy flywheel ensures smooth transmission and maximum power transfer.

6. Hypoid gearbox for smooth drive and resistance to wear.

7. Heavy duty plunger runs on sealed bearings for minimal maintenance.

8. Shaft drive for feeders and knotters.

9. Pick-up height adjuster via a cord from the tractor seat, but a hydraulic height adjuster is optionally available.

10. Pick-up drum with closely spaced pick-up tines.

11. A short crop baffle plate to direct the crop to the pick-up tines.

12. Rotary feed rakes to convey the crop positively to the bale chamber.

13. Device whereby the rotary feed rake can be adjusted to give an even feed under all conditions.

14. A shear bolt to protect the rotary feed rake.

15. Shock absorber to protect the rotary feed rake from peak loadings.

16. An angled stationary knife to cut the crop.

17. Knotters or wire twisters at the back of the baler.

Component functions (see Figure 3 and 4) Pick-up The pick-up lifts hay from the windrow and carries it to the auger or feed rake.

Hay compressors on the pick-up hold the hay down for uniform feeding and prevent strong winds from blowing hay out of the pick-up (see Figures 6, 7 and 8).

Figure 5: The latest design in some of the medium square balers.

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Auger (feed rake) An auger or feed rake delivers the hay to the edge of the bale chamber. The feed rake then delivers the hay into the baling chamber and the feeding teeth of the feed rake are timed to enter the baling chamber when the plunger is retracted (see Figures 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13).

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Figure 9: An auger or a feed rake delivers the hay to the bale chamber.

Figure 6: The compressors hold the hay down for uniform feeding.

Figure 10: A feed rake consists of two sets of teeth for feeding the hay to the bale chamber.

Figure 7: The windrow must have the correct width to suit the width of the pick-up.

Figure 11: An illustration of the movement of the two sets of teeth of a feed rake.

Figure 8: Pick-up height adjusting is done via a cord from the tractor seat.

Figure 12: The stroke of the feeder teeth can be adjusted by choosing the correct hole for the pivot pin.

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Figure 13: The feeder teeth must be timed in such a way that they never touch the plunger.

Next month we shall discuss the plunger, hay dogs, bale chamber, bale measuring wheel, needles and knotter.

Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

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for example products that contain sulphates are incompatible with products that contain calcium.

The result will be the forming of insoluble gypsum. Phosphates are also incompatible with products containing calcium and magnesium. These products must be injected separately from different tanks into an irrigation pipeline (See Figure 1).

Fertigate for soil health and profit Part 3: Different fertiliser products

Mono-ammonia phosphate

Magnesium nitrate

Mono-potassium phosphate

Calcium nitrate

Potassium sulphate

Urea

Magnesium sulphate

Ammonium nitrate

Potassium nitrate Urea

Figure 1: Permissible combinations of fertiliser solutions (Schneck, 1998).

S

ome irrigation water and fertiliser product combinations can cause detrimental reactions such as corrosion and sedimentation (resulting in blockages). It is therefore recommended that a jar test is first done by adding the fertiliser at the correct concentration to the irrigation water. Monitor the mixture for sediments or milkiness over a period of one or two hours. Milkiness will be an indication that blockage problems are possible. Secondary filters at each block can protect the emitters against potential damage.

With the choice of fertiliser products, the following must be kept in mind: • When a dry water-soluble fertiliser is used, first fill the tanks halfway to three quarters with water and then slowly add the fertiliser while stirring the water continuously to prevent the forming of large, insoluble lumps. Always add the liquid fertiliser to the water in the tank before the dry water-soluble fertiliser is added, to ensure the

Stir the water continuously while adding the fertiliser. Photo: Youtube.com

•

Milkiness in a fertiliser and water solution indicates that blockages may occur. Photo: edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their manual on fertigation principles and systems available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.

Tank B

Potassium nitrate

Ammonium nitrate

Frikkie Koegelenberg Pr Eng and Gert Conradie Pr Eng

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Tank A

•

solution of all the fertiliser products.

Fertiliser products with an acidic base are inclined to cause corrosion of metal and asbestos cement components of an irrigation system. Ensure that the injection and irrigation equipment are resistant to these products. uPVC, polyethylene, polystyrene, Teflon and Grade 316 stainless steel are the most corrosion-resistant commercial materials. Equipment must also be flushed well after use. Furthermore, the lowest possible concentration of fertiliser must be used.

Not all fertiliser products are compatible in concentrate form,

This separation will prevent the deposition of calcium phosphates and calcium sulphates in the mixing tank and irrigation system. Injection from the two tanks must take place at least 0,5 m apart. An extra tank is used when acid for the pH-correction of the irrigation water has to be added. When concentrate products are dissolved in tanks, the acids must be mixed in first, then the neutrals and then the alkaline products.

• The different soil and irrigation water combinations can have an acid or alkaline reaction within the root zone. By using specific fertiliser products, this reaction can be counteracted.

• The solubility of dry water-soluble fertiliser products increases as the water temperature rises. Although nitrate-containing products are highly soluble, the water temperature can drop with up to 20°C. This reduction has the result that three times more water is required for dissolving the product than at normal temperatures. This means that the injector’s capacity must also increase threefold.

• Do not mix chlorine and fertiliser, as it will lead to an explosion. Always clean the mixing tank before chlorine is used. The presence of ammonia and urea in the irrigation water will decrease the effectiveness of the chlorine. Chlorine and acid or an acid-based fertiliser product must also not be mixed, because a toxic chlorine gas will form. Always add acid to water, not water to acid, because a massive exothermic reaction can take place which will make the liquid splash out. The same applies to chlorine, always add the chlorine to the water.

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If irrigation water of a neutral to alkaline nature is used for irrigation, acid correction must first be done before calcium and phosphates are applied, for example high pH values (> 7,5) in the irrigation water can result in the deposition of calcium and magnesium carbonates and phosphates that could lead to emitter blockages. The pH correction of the irrigation water will improve the absorbency of the nutrients, and will prevent the deposition of impermeable compounds thereof. The ideal pH of fertigation is between 5,6 and 6,2.

mended that a professional in the field of fertigation be approached on the solubility and miscibility of a specific fertiliser product. A jar test must also be done.

Ammonia phosphate suspensions These suspensions are manufactured by the reaction of phosphorous with ammonia under controlled conditions. The duration of the reaction and the eventual pH will determine the end product.

It can contain a MAP, DAP or both and the N:P-relation is between 2:3 and 3:4.

Jar test. Photo: appslabs.com.au.

Liquid fertiliser Fertiliser products in liquid form can be divided into three groups (Buys, 1997): Precipitation of calcium and magnesium carbonates and phosphates could lead to emitter blockages.

Photo: orbitbharat.com.

Some of the most important products and the plant nutrient elements they contain, are shown in Table 1.

Water soluble fertiliser To apply fertiliser in granular or powder form, it must be water soluble. The quantity of fertiliser that dissolves in a certain volume of water is called the solubility of the mixture. It is recom-

(i) Slurries This group is seldom if ever produced.

It can be compared to a porridge or thick lime solution used for painting walls. In such a solution, a reasonable quantity of solid particles occur, that can settle within hours. (ii) Suspensions This group can be compared to the lime water after the large lumps have settled. Settling can however still occur, but it can take weeks or months. There are currently two types of suspensions:

Nitrogen

Ammonia Ammonia sulphate ASN (Ammonia sulphate nitrate) LAN (Limestone ammonium nitrate) UAN (Urea-ammonia nitrate) Urea

X X X X X X

MAP (Mono-ammonia phosphate) DAP (Di-ammonia phosphate) Ammoniated phosphate (16)

X X X

Potassium chloride Potassium sulphate Potash magnesium Potassium nitrate

X

NPK mixtures Low grade (<25) High grade (>25) Liquid

X X X

(iii) Solutions In this group, all the components are dissolved entirely.

With the exception of N-solution, this group is characterised by low concentrations, seldom higher than 15%. It is mainly as a result of limitations regarding solubility and the necessity to store such products at room temperature without it crystallising. The disadvantage is that transport costs are noticeably higher than for suspensions.

Clear solutions were mainly developed for irrigation farmers to enable them to apply fertilisers through the irrigation system. The accuracy of application and the frequency with which it is done on specialised crops, compensates for the increased costs because of the lower concentration of clear solutions.

Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information. Next month we shall discuss what fertiliser products to choose.

Nitro-phosphate suspensions These suspensions are manufactured

Product

Super phosphate Double super phosphate Calmafos Langfos

by the treatment of rock phosphate with nitric acid. The initial product can then be further treated to deliver various end products. The relationship of N:P in the products is 3:2 or 4:1. Nitrophosphates have a high density and are considered heavy suspensions.

Phosphate

Potassium Calcium

Sulphur

Magnesium

Chlorine

Zinc

Boron

X X X

X

X X X

X

X

X X X X

X X X X

X

X X X X X X X

X X X

X

(X)

Oxygen

Carbon

X X X X X X

X X X X X

X X

X X X

X X X

X X

X X X X

X

X X

X (X)

(X)

Hydrogen

X X X

X

X

X

(X) (X) X

(X) (X) (X)

(X) (X)

X X X

X X X

(X) (X) X

Table 1: Most important fertiliser products (Buys, 1997).

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Make more from your crops Processing of oil seeds Part 20: Margarine Sunflower oil fat spread

By Theresa Siebert, Petrus Britz, Pr Eng and Agrelek

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unflower fat spread or margarine is prepared from sunflower oil. The spread is a water-in-fat emulsion which closely resembles butter. It is firm in a refrigerator and melts rapidly in the mouth. It is made from a non-dairy fat and water mixture. The fat phase contains oil-soluble ingredients, for example mono- and diglycerides, lecithin (optional), colouring matter and vitamins. The aqueous phase (16 to 18%) contains water with or without added edible protein. This "milk" may be prepared by adding dried protein to water, which is then pasteurised. Pastry and kosher margarine do not contain added protein, only water.

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

Margarine. Photo: anudiefoodie. files.wordpress.com.

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Margarine. Photo: 4.bp.blogspot.com.

Legal requirements: In many countries, a fat spread must comply with certain requirements as well as the standards applicable for each class of fat spread like: • It shall have a clean and pleasant flavour, be reasonably soft on the palate and be easily spreadable at 20°C. • It shall be free of any substance that does not naturally form part of the raw material.

• The slip point of the separated fat phase shall be below 38°C. The "fat spreads" are classified as follows: • Yellow margarine may also be called margarine if it has a maximum milk fat content of 1% and a maximum vegetable fat content of 85%, with no marine or animal fat

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•

present. The total fat content must be between 80 and 86%, and the moisture content between 10 and 16%. A maximum salt content of 2% is allowed, a maximum fat free dry matter content of 4% and a maximum sugar content of 1%.

White margarine has a maximum milk fat content of 1%, a maximum vegetable fat content of 85%, a maximum marine fat content of 85% and maximum animal fat of 85%. The total fat content must be between 80 and 86%, and the moisture content between 10 and 16%. The maximum salt content must be 2%, the maximum fat free dry matter content 4% and the sugar content a maximum of 1%.

Yellow medium fat spread may also be called medium fat spread with a maximum milk fat content of 1%, a maximum vegetable fat content of 65% and no marine or animal fat present. The total fat content must be between 50 and 65%, and the moisture content is not specified.

A maximum salt content of 2%, a maximum fat free dry matter content is required, and the maximum sugar content is not specified.

White medium fat spread must have a maximum milk fat content of 1%, a maximum vegetable fat content of 65% and a maximum marine or animal fat content of 27

•

•

•

65%. The total fat content must be between 50 and 65% and the moisture content is not specified.

A maximum salt content of 2% is required and the fat free dry matter content and maximum sugar content is not specified.

Yellow low-fat spread may also be called low fat spread or minarine, with a maximum milk fat content of 1%, a maximum vegetable fat content of 45% and no marine or animal fat present. The total fat content must be between 35 and 45%, and the moisture content is not specified. A maximum salt content of 2% is required and the maximum fat free dry matter content and maximum sugar content is not specified.

White low-fat spread needs a maximum milk fat content of 1%, a maximum vegetable fat content of 45%, and a maximum marine or animal fat content of 45%. The total fat content must be between 35 and 45%, and the moisture content is not specified. A maximum salt content of 2% is required and the fat free dry matter content and maximum sugar content is not specified.

The chemical structure of margarine.

Photo: wikipedia.com.

The reduced and low fat spreads cannot legally be called margarine because it contains less fat than margarine. These fat spreads contain a higher proportion of water and a blend of stabilisers and emulsifiers.

Preparation of aqueous phase for fat spreads (optional) The aqueous phase is prepared by mixing potable water with dried protein to form a milky liquid. The milk is pumped into a temperature-controlled vat with stirrers/paddles. The mixture is inoculated with a 1% starter culture (Streptococcus cremoris, S. citrivorus) for the production op lactic acid, diacetyl and butter-like flavours. The mixture is incubated at 20 to 22°C until the pH is between 5,3 and 6,3. Ripening is not required when artificial flavouring is used.

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Preparation of aqueous phase Mixing (Salt, preservatives, flavours) Blending (sunflower oil added) Emulsification (Tempering) Cooling Packaging Labelling

Batch process: Butter churns with the capacity to process up to 45 000 litres are used for batch operations.

These churns were originally made of wood, but have since been replaced by stainless steel. The churns must be prepared to prevent the butter from sticking to the surface. Stainless steel churns must be cleaned with detergents containing silicates to maintain a "nonstick" surface. The mixture is vigorously stirred /churned in a manual churn for 10 to 20 min at 50 to 60°C until the mixture is emulsified. The mixture is then allowed to rest for a time to rest the emulsion and ensure good distribution of the added ingredients.

Sunflower fat spread Table 1: Process description – Margarine – Sunflower oil fat spread.

(Optional process) Addition of soluble ingredients to the aqueous phase Salt, preservatives, flavouring (optional) and colouring are added to the aqueous mixture as required. The mixture is then stored at 5 to 8°C until required.

Blending of the fat and aqueous phases The fat (oil) and aqueous phases are pumped into weighing tanks from where it is dispensed in measured quantities to the emulsion tanks.

Emulsifiers are added to the mixture at a level of 0,5% (of the fat). Emulsifiers improve the stability, texture and spreadability of the margarine. For the production of low fat and medium fat spread, stabilisers are added to compensate for the reduction in the fat content and to ensure that the water and reduced fat portions do not separate.

Emulsification of fat spread Emulsification can be done in batch or continuous operations.

Wooden churns were previously used in the emulsification batch process.

Stainless steel churns are currently used in the emulsification batch process. Photo: bid-on-equipment.com Continuous process: The Votator system for the manufacture of margarine is used. It produces a water-in-oil emulsion by blending about 14 to 16% water and 4% of other substances with 80% fat at 50 to 60°C. In this system, the oil phase (containing 0,1 to 0,5% of an emulsifier such as lecithin or a monoglyceride) and the aqueous phase are fed continuously by separate proportioning pumps through externally refrigerated cylinders. These cylinders are equipped with rapidly revolving coaxial shafts bearing scraper blades.

Centrifugal force and the resistance to rotation offered by the mixture cause the scraper blades to bear lightly against the cylinder walls, thus giving a very high rate of heat transfer. The emulsification process is considerably promoted by this efficient cooling, since a proportion of the globules is solidified at the lowest temperatures.

The whole system is enclosed.

ProAgri Zambia 45

Next month we shall look at the production of sunflower seed snacks. Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals.

Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

The Votator system is a continuous emulsification process. Photo: ticovogt.com Tempering of fat spread (optional) A tempering phase is sometimes used for batch processing. The emulsified spread is held at elevated temperatures (22 to 36°C) for 1 to 3 days to improve the plasticity, creaming properties, and baking performance.

Cooling of fat spread The fat spread is cooled to between 21 and 40°C (depending of the fat content) before filling.

Packaging and storage of fat spreads Packaging is defined as the containment of a food product in a protective barrier that prepares goods for transport, distribution, storage, retailing and end-use. Brick type spreads are first moulded by filling the mixture into chilled moulds. After shaping has taken place, the bricks are removed from the moulds and wrapped in greaseproof papers or laminated films. Soft spreads are filled directly into plastic tubs. The packaging containers or materials are pre-printed or labelled. Products must be correctly labelled according to the requirements set out in the specific country’s regulations relating to fat spreads and advertising.

Margarine in a sturdy plastic wrapping.

Legislation The processor should be familiar with and adhere to the laws and regulations applicable to the products manufactured, to ensure the safe and legal marketing of an oilseed product.

LITERATURE SOURCES 1. Anon. 1993. Oil Processing: Food Cycle Technology Source Books. Intermediate Technology Publications.

2. Catsberg, CME & Kempen van Dommelen, GJM. 1990.

Food Handbook. New York: Ellis Horwood.

3. Fellows, P. 1988. Food Processing Technology: Principles and Practice. Chichester: Ellis Horwood, Ltd. 4. Gunstone, F.D & Norris, FA. 1983. Lipids in foods. Oxford: Pergamon Press.

5. Jooste, C. 1998. Oliesade: Veel groter wins met nuwe proses. Landbouweekblad.

6. Light, N. 1989. Longman Illustrated Dictionary of Food Science. New York: Longman 7. Nel, C. 1998. Agrival. Agrival@netactive.co.za 8. Nickerson, JTR & Ronsivalli, LJ. 1982. Elementary Food Science. 2nd edition. Westport: AVI 9. Nwokolo, E & Smartt, J. 1996. Food and feed from legumes and oilseeds. New York: Chapman & Hall.

10. Potter, NN & Hotchkiss, JH. 1995. Food Science. 5th Edition New York: Chapman & Hall.

11. Raiken, MD; Kill, RC & Baker, C. (ed). 1998. Food Industries Manual, 24th Edition. New York: Chapman & Hall.

12. Salunkhe, DK et al. 1992.

Word Oilseeds: Chemistry, Technology and Utilisation.

New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

13. South Africa - Agricultural Products Standards Act (No 119 of 1990) and regulations. Pretoria: Government Printers 14. South African - Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act (no 54 of 1972) and regulations. Johannesburg: Lex Patria 15. Van Wyk, A. 1989. Die veelsydige sonneblom. Suid-Afrikaanse Panorama. Vol 34: # 6: pp 28 - 33.

Margarine poured in a plastic tub.

ProAgri Zambia 45

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ProAgri Zambia 45

Soil water sensors reveal subsoil conditions Part 3: Pulse delay measurements

by Frikkie Koegelenberg, Pr Eng and Hendrik Jordaan

T

he pulse delay measurements method by means of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), as well as the frequency delay method, are vested in the principle of measuring the dielectrical constant of materials. The dielectrical constant of a material is the measuring of the capacity (electrical permissiveness) of a non-conductive material to conduct high frequency electromagnetic waves or pulses.

We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their manual on soil water sensors available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.

The dielectrical constant of dry soil varies between two and five, while that of water is 80 at frequencies of between 30 MHz and 1 GHz. Research results have shown that the measuring of a soil water medium’s dielectrical constant reflects an accurate measurement of the soil’s water content.

Relatively small differences in a soil’s water content result in large differences in the electromagnetic characteristics of the soil water medium. The water content of a soil can therefore be determined solely by determining the dielectrical constant of a soil.

The time domain reflectometry technology for soil water content determination is vested in cable testers such as the Tektronix 1 502B. This equipment was originally used for testing the breaks and joints in subsurface

A Tektronix 1 502B. Photo: mohr-engineering.com. cables. Various manufacturers therefore use the apparatus to conduct a high frequency transversal electromagnetic wave next to a cable, which is connected to parallel conductive probes. The parallel conduction probes (two or three) are inserted into the soil and serve as wave conductors. The wave conductors reflect the transversal electromagnetic wave back to the cable tester, where it is reflected on an oscilloscope. The time taken for the signal to be reflected (time delay) is measured accurately by the cable tester.

With the length of the cable and wave conductors known, the reproductive speed of the transversal electromagnet-

ProAgri Zambia 45

ic wave can be calculated. The dielectric constant is inversely related to the reproductive speed of the electromagnetic wave; A faster reproductive speed delivers a lower dielectrical constant and therefore a lower soil water content. A higher dielectric constant will therefore be an indication of a higher water content in the soil.

Wave conductors inserted into the soil consist of two or three parallel stainless-steel probes arranged approximately 50 mm apart. The wave conductors are usually inserted vertically, horizontally or at an angle of 45° into the soil. A screened-off parallel connector cable conducts the electro 31

magnetic volumetric wave between the wave conductors and the cable tester.

The TDR instrument measures the average volumetric water content (%) over the length of the wave conductors. The sphere of influence of an instrument around the wave conductors at the measuring point has a diameter of approximately 1,5 times the spacing of the parallel probes.

P3Z

The following TDR equipment is currently available (in no specific order of preference): Aquaflex SE 200 soil water meter; Campbell Scientific’s CS616-L wave conductor meter; Hydrosense from Degacon; Trime from IMKO; Tektronix TDR; Gro point & Water point from ESI Environmental Sensors.

P3

P3S 15

115

160

110

100

40

30

63

Rod diameter: 3,5 mm

160 10

Triangular arrangement

20 20

35

35

Rod diameter: 8 mm The wave conductors are permanently installed on the side of a profile hole with conductors, which lie on top of the soil surface. Care must be taken to disturb the soil as little as possible.

It is the only method to obtain readings at different depths in one position with the aid of the TDR. Horizontally installed wave conductors give a depth specific reading while wave conductors installed at an angle of 45°, give an integrated larger volume reading, both in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Hand TDR meters consisting of a wave conductor probe, can be used like a neutron moisture meter to determine the water content with the aid of access tubes in the soil.

Figure 1: Presentation of TDR wave conductors with three probes.

A Campbell Scientific’s CS616 water content reflectometer.

Photo: campbellsci.com.

The Hydrosense meter with its two steel rods and how it is inserted in the soil. Photo: scielo.br.

32

Application of the CS616.

Photo: researchgate.net.

Benefits • Measurements are determined quickly. Soil water content can be determined at different depths simultaneously. Readings are taken within one minute.

• The TDR measuring technique is very accurate if the apparatus is properly installed and calibrated.

• Accurate and dependable readings can be taken near the soil surface.

Measurements as shallow as 100 mm to a depth of 5 m is possible.

• Research results show that the dielectrical constant is independent of the gross density of the soil.

• Continuous readings and data storage with the aid of data loggers are possible.

Disadvantages • The wave conductors should be installed very carefully to ensure contact along the entire length of the probes. Vacuums along the probes cause faulty readings. The probes must also remain parallel, or else the wave conductors do not function correctly.

• Wave conductors cannot readily be used in stony soils, and special precautionary measures must be taken. The access tubes of the probe are installed with a paste of the same soil.

• Cable test apparatus is essential for analyses of the wave patterns.

• Soil brackishness influences the attenuation of the electromagnetic pulse in the soil. The higher the salt content, the lower the accuracy of the TDR. Research is currently being done to find suitable isolating materials for the probes to make them suitable for taking readings in brackish soils.

• TDR equipment is very expensive.

Next month we shall discuss frequency delay measurement by means of capacitance. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

ProAgri Zambia 45

5 000 000 tonnes of maize? It’s possible!

by Brian Mhango, Commercial Head for Syngenta Zambia

T

he President, HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu, challenged the Zambian farmers during a recent field day event to produce five million tonnes of maize for the 2019/2020 season!

I say this is no pipe dream - it’s possible and can be done. Roughly 1,4 million hectares of land in Zambia is cultivated for maize production, with over 80% of production under smallholders with an average national yield of two tonnes per hectare. This needs to be scaled up to an average of five tonnes per hectare with the right extension support programmes.

If our small-scale farmers are going to realise the full value from their farming efforts, it is critical that we expose our farmers to good farming practices and technology aimed at improving their farm productivity.

At Syngenta we pride ourselves through our many initiatives such as the good growth plan which focuses on enhancing small-scale productivity by empowering farmers with the right tools and knowledge. This is critical for achieving agricultural productivity in a sustainable way, while caring for the environment at the same time.

Maize is the most important crop in Zambia and is produced countrywide under diverse conditions. Farmers plant this vital crop from the low rainfall areas of the south east to the high rainfall areas up north in Copper Belt, Northern, Muchinga, Luapula and North Western provinces. Successful maize production depends on the correct application of production inputs like seed, fertiliser, weed, disease and pest control, and correct planting procedures to obtain the correct plant population. To produce maize, one needs an average of between 450 and 600 mm of water per season. In addition to that, farmers are encouraged to use improved seeds as these potentially offer higher yields, are resistant to pests and usually are tolerant to adverse weather conditions such as drought.

Choice of cultivars plays a critical role in production. At Syngenta we have a robust maize portfolio from early (SY5944, MRI514 and MRI594), medium (SY6444, MRI624, and MRI634) to late maturing hybrids or full season hybrids (MRI744). Potential yields of up to 13 tonnes (260 x 50 kg bags) per hectare are achievable.

In order to maximise yields, farmers are encouraged to plant early with the first effective rains. Sufficient ground water and soil temperatures to support germination are crucial. Late planting potentially reduces yields due to decreasing heat units as the season progresses. Farmers should also aim to achieve the right plant population as this has a bearing on yields. 45 000 to 60 000 plants per hectare are recommended in high rainfall areas, and 35 000 to 45 000 plants per hectare in areas with a low rainfall. A seed rate of 25 kg per hectare is recommended with a fertiliser rate of 400 to 500 kg (4 to 5 x 50 kg bags), including a basal dose and top dressing. Basal fertiliser is applied at or before planting and top dressing 4 to 8 weeks after germination or crop emergence. It is important that farmers take soil samples to fully understand the nutrient composition and/or deficiency so that the right fertiliser is applied. Crop rotation with legumes such as beans and soya beans should be practised, to fix nitrogen which supports maize production. Crop rotation also helps to combat pests and diseases by breaking their life cycles.

It is important that lime is incorporated in the farming regime to manage pHlevels, since maize does not do well in a high acidity environment. Lime helps condition the soil for optimum nutrient utilisation and reduces the toxic elements such as aluminium. The optimum pH level for maize production is between 5,5 and 6,5.

Weed is another critical negative element farmers need to manage.

This is potentially yield limiting as weeds compete with crops for sunlight, nutrients and water. If not properly managed, weeds can potentially reduce yields up to 90%. It is important that fields are weed free, especially during the first 12 weeks, which is usually a critical period when the bulk of nutrients are utilised by the crops. But it is also crucial that weeds are controlled during the rest of the growing period if one wants to maximise yields.

Syngenta has herbicides such as Lumax, a selective pre-emergence solution for the control of weeds. Applied at the right time, it offers maximum weed control for both broad leaf and annual grasses in maize. Other herbicides that will get the job done are Gramoxone,

ProAgri Zambia 45

Fortenza Duo is a fall army worm solution in your bag of seed.

Touchdown, Gardomil Gold and Dual Magnum. Farmers are advised to read product labels and carefully follow instructions for safe use of our products.

Fall army worm can have a devastating impact on crop yields as the worms ravage the crops. Syngenta has a seed treatment solution in the bag - Fortenza Duo, that protects the crop during the first four weeks after germination.

It also helps farmers to reduce the number of sprays to control the pests.

Look out for Syngenta’s Fortenza Duo treated maize seed at the agro dealer near you. For follow-up treatment use Syngenta’s Ampligo or Denim Fit applied at 150 to 200 ml/ha and 100 to 200 g/ha respectively.

A great farming season awaits us!

To get behind Syngenta-magic, send an e-mail to Brian.Mhango@syngenta.com.

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THE GLOBAL ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTING NETWORK

Manufactured in South Africa, recognised internationally German genes at work

Launch specials From

$ 6 295

in Lusaka

From

$ 8 570

in Lusaka

Demo model available at Livestock Services, Lusaka

From

No till, Conservation pasture and fine seed planter

Dauerhaft Pty Ltd 6 Kikuyu Road, Sunninghill, Johannesburg

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Pasture and fine seed planter

$ 3 870

in Lusaka

+27 (0)11 236 8603

Combination Maize, Soya and Wheat planter

www.dauerhaft.co.za

info@dauerhaft.co.za

Prices are subject to exchange rate

ProAgri Zambia 45

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