Piket Implements: Boost profits with conservation farming

Piket Implements:

Boost profits with conservation farming

by Morné Venzke

No-tillage farming is a quite simple idea, but very progressive. It simply means that you do not plough your land before you plant your seed. This practice started in 1960 in the USA and since then increased in popularity by over 69% globally. In 1962, studies on no-till farming started in the USA at the Ohio State University. These studies focused on the total microbial biomass the soil holds, meaning the usable nutrients and beneficial organic matter existing on the land. Results gained by the Ohio State University showed that after the introduction of no-till farming, the total microbial biomass increased significantly, and furthermore, the carbon loss in the soil decreased after every planting season. Studies in South Africa showed a 32% profit margin after introducing notillage, in comparison to 19% profit on conventional farming. The reason for

Broader tyres on the hydraulic drill is used for better weight distribution and less soil compaction

the more fertile land is quite simple. By not turning your soil, you leave a layer of mulch behind, acting as a “roof” on top of your soil. The roof covers and protects the rainwater in your soil from the sun and other elements, keeping your soil nice and moist, which is perfect for seed germination and plant growth. As the soil remains moist, organic matter is naturally formed, allowing your soil to return to its natural condition. When this happens, important organic matter will build up in your soil, and this will attract beneficial organisms and earthworms, all vital to soil fertility.

A Piket maize planter cuts through hard soil in tough conditions.

Once your soil fertility is boosted, you will obtain higher yields from your farmland and use less fertiliser on your healthy soil. You can imagine the reduction in input costs, not only on fertiliser, but also on fuel and labour costs, since no ploughing is needed. The Piket Implements family consults farmers in South Africa on no-till conservation farming on a daily basis and works closely together with the farmers as well as testing institutions to adapt their own planters to comply with the latest results they retrieve from the field. One successful South African farmer, Anton Bower, says: “If you buy a Piket planter, you buy into 80 years of studying the science of different planting techniques.” This is true since Piket Implements is 87 years old. South African farmers say that they specifically enjoy their no-till conservation Maize Multi Planter, as this planter can plant not only maize, but also soya beans and other fine seeds. Their no-till conservation fine seed planters are used by dairy and cattle

A Piket Hydraulic drill can be adjusted for deeper seed placement.

farms to establish rich pastures. Their smaller, eight row fine seed planter, in the same range, is one of the best planters available for planting cover crops between citrus trees and vineyards. Piket observed that the trend of conservation farming is becoming increasingly popular in Zambia, as farmers want to increase productivity by boosting the quality of their land, and it is working. One Zambian commercial farmer, Alex Harris, said: “For me it was great to learn that I can now buy a first world quality planter, manufactured right here on our doorstep.” Piket Implements is pleased that they can serve farmers of Zambia too, and will build relationships to help agriculture grow in this country.

Contact Piket Implements at +27(0)22-913-2435 or their exports department on +27(0)83-400-5024 for more information, or send an e-mail to info@piket.co.za.

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