Maximum harvest is not maximum profit

Dr Gawie du Toit’s fertilisation experiment with maize in collaboration with Ermelo High School and TLU SA, has proven once again that the pursuit of maximum harvest must be tempered with realistic fertilisation for maximum profit. The large-scale fertilisation trial with maize was planted in October 2021 by local farmer Gerrie Janse van Rensburg. “We had more than one goal with the trial. It serves as a practical demonstration and visit site for the learners of Ermelo High School’s Agricultural Academy. It is a way for them to be able to experience how a plant reacts to fertilisation in relation to crop performance. Different amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were applied. The growth and development of the plants were carefully monitored during the season and photographs were taken,” says Dr Gawie du Toit, soil expert who announced the results during a farmer’s day in Ermelo. “Then we will also determine with the final harvest performance results whether a large NPK input - to achieve a maximum harvest - can be financially justified. This is an aspect that is generally presented as the designated method for maize production. The aspect of profitable maize production will therefore also be scrutinized.” For Dr Du Toit this trial joins with more than 40 years of NPK trials. “It has been proven once again that unnecessary excess fertilisation is one of the main causes for the enormous maize debt, which according to Statistics SA and other observers amounts to around R120 billion. The solution clearly lies in the fact that excessive NPK input in pursuit of maximum harvests must be tempered with realistic fertilisation for maximum profit.” Others who attended the day and listened to the results were Derek Matthews from Grain SA, Fasie de Kock from Timac AGRO, farmers from the area and learners who took part in the trials. “Highest yield is not the most profit. This is the reality. It is so important that farmers use data - of which there is no shortage - at their disposal,” said Derek Matthews from Grain SA. Dr Du Fasie de Kock from Timac AGRO’s partner Dr Hendrik Smith encouraged farmers to gather information themselves and not just rely on the obvious. “Know your soil. Know what’s going on with your land. Don’t believe everything on pamphlets. Ask for more information. Ask for the scientific tests that have proven the information you have been given.” TLU SA General Manager Mr. Bennie van Zyl said the time is now for farmers to use these facts and test results at their disposal.

Algemene wenke

Annelie Booysen

Algemene skoonmaakmiddel

1k Ammoniak verdun met 3k water. Giet in spuitbottel en gebruik om werkoppervlaktes en vensters mee skoon te maak.

Koper en Brass- Meng 1/2k Asyn met 1 e Sout

Tee- en koffievlekke - Koeksoda en ook om koffiefles skoon te maak

Hardnekkige vuil kastrolle -

Meng 1e koeksoda, 500ml water, 100ml Sunlight Liquid en 50ml wit tandepasta. Meng goed en wend aan, laat staan so 20min en skuur af

Krane - Koeksoda op klam lap kan gebruik word om krane mooi skoon te maak

Etikette op bottels - Verwyder met Q20 en growwe staalpotskuurder Ammoniak kan onverdun gebruik word om oond mee skoon te maak. (Dra rubber handskoene wanneer met ammoniak gewerk word)

Aartappelskyfies - Voeg knippie koeksoda by olie, dan word dit vinniger gaar en bros Botter wat pap geword het en daar is geen yskas Meng 2k koue water met 1t koeksoda, giet oor botter en laat staan. Botter sal gou weer styf wees.

Bruismeel

4x 250ml Koekmeel 30ml Kremetart 15ml Koeksoda Sif 4x saam

Bakpoeier

30ml Kremetart 15ml Koeksoda 15ml Maizena - Sif 4 maal saam