Proagri Zambia 10 - August 2016

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

August 2016 Nr 10

Free

Care for your chickens

Fence out your problems

with Bonnox Agri technology:

Solutions for every farmer

Rovic Leers For precision farming

try used the opportunity to reconnect with each other and come to terms with the latest trends in the industry.

Preparation time for the planting season is upon us and the drought taught us a lesson or two that we shall implement this season. We visited the Val Farmers’ Day in the Eastern Highveld of South Africa to bring you a showcase of the best machinery available on the continent.

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

Cover

Letter from the Editor

It is normal for a farmer to feel anxious before and after the elections. The possibility of violence always exists and the more remote a farmer, the more vulnerable he becomes for political troublemakers.

We as food producers should always remember that we have a mighty sword in our hands and that by standing together, we are able to influence politics to suit our needs. Of course, this is a delicate process and we should not be opportunistic.

The next season promises to be exceptionally favourable for the Zambian farming community.

The country will look at agriculture with different eyes. Since we are still struggling under a huge national debt, a fluctuating kwacha and a copper industry in dire straits, agriculture might be the silver lining. Farmers produced a record maize harvest last season and placed Zambia at the leading edge on the continent regarding food security.

This month we celebrate the very successful 90th show presented by the Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia. Farmers from all over the coun-

The technological advances achieved over the past 10 years in utilising electronic and positioning technology to improve mechanised tillage practices, help farmers to get the job done correctly and accurately.

Read more on page two.

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 p ­ hoto­graphs may be r­ eproduced, 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.

We are very proud of our stall and magazine display at the recent ACSZ-show. We managed to connect with many new readers and the rest of Zambia’s vibrant agricultural industry.

ProAgri Zambia Acting Editor Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za General Manager Zambia Quintus Grobler > +26 (0)96-216-9801 quintus@vanetechnology.com

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Reporters Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Benine Cronjé > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Stefan van Wyk > +27 82-381-7563 stefan@agritrader.co.za

Content

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Tiny Smith > +27 79-531-0024 tiny@proagri.co.za

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Precision Farming getting it wrong

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Big players show top technology at Val Farmers’ day

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We celebrate 90 years of ACSZ-showcase excellence

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Dehorn cattle for more profits: Part two

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Bonnox encloses from pigs to predators

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Get ahead with good brooding practices

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How to maintain a sub-surface drip system

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ETG fertilisers make agriculture happen

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Agriplas gains growth from every drop

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Soil: The farmer’s most important assert: Part 7

Albert Shuma > +26 97-631-6470 albert@vanetechnology.co.za Susan Mwanza > +26 97-964-8508 susan@proagri.co.za Design Esta van Niekerk

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martly Farm s

Enquiries Lize du Plooy > +27 12-803-0667 lize@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Keet > +27 861-777-225 accounts@smartpublishing.co.za Distribution Du Preez de Villiers > +27 12-803-0667 dupreez@proagri.co.za.co.za Business manager George Grobler

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The technological advances achieved over the past 10 years in utilising electronic and positioning technology to improve mechanised tillage practices help farmers to get the job done correctly and accurately. Marius Ras (M.Eng Mech; Pr Eng), Group Marketing Director, ROVIC LEERS (Pty) Ltd explains:

M

achinery from the past was a bit like a motor car without dashboard gauges – you could drive it and reach your destination, but very little information was available about the route, the environment and the estimated time of arrival. The knowledge and skills of the driver/operator determined the outcome.

Today, the technology exists and is in commercial use that gives the operator a “full dashboard” of information, actually controlling most of the functions that in the past were reliant upon the operator’s skills and knowledge.

If and when the application of any technological advances gets to the point where the end user is “relieved” of the responsibility to understand and grasp the basics on which the process relies for optimal efficiency and productivity, the result could be that you could be getting it WRONG with PRECISION! A layman’s definition of Precision Mechanisation: To know exactly what goes out of, or comes into a machine, and the ability to either control it to pre-programmed levels going out, or measure or record the parameters of the material coming in, whilst at the same time knowing the exact position where it occurred.

The risks of getting it wrong if and when some knowledge of the basic principles involved are overlooked, will be demonstrated with three case studies: Case study 1: GPS positioned, draught stress controlled ploughing Machine capabilities: • GPS positioning and auto steer of tractor for a perfect ploughing cut.

• Draught stress control determining 2 August 2016

Precision farming getting it wrong optimal ground speed for minimal wheel slip and maximum field capacity at a given working depth.

Watch out for: • Why are you ploughing in the first place? The results of mouldboard or disc ploughing are: - The vertical mixing of the soil profile, which effectively eradicates the natural organisms residing at the different soil levels, resulting in a soil profile with very little capacity to convert the ploughed-in crop residue to be composted.

- Nitrogen deficiencies in the ploughed profile with composting extended well into the growing season.

- Mechanical breakdown of soil particles because of the large surface contact area between die mouldboard / disc and the soil being worked. The fine soil particles, getting finer with every ploughing event, become compacted, forming a compacted surface layer after rain or irrigation.

- Plough banks are formed, creating a barrier to water penetration, resulting in waterlogging and wilting crops.

- Completely exposed soil surfaces resulting in excessive evaporation of moisture, as well as wind and water erosion.

• The ONLY valid reasons why soil should be worked in some way are: - To alleviate compaction layers, either on the surface or below, which resulted from above ploughing practises or surface traffic like animal grazing or vehicles.

- To aerate the soil during lime / gypsum applications to facilitate their movement into the soil profile after rain or irrigation.

• The ONLY way to achieve the above

without the negative effects of the ploughing practice is to aerate the soil with properly designed tine aeration equipment – and only used when either of the above conditions need to be alleviated. In most cases it would suffice to follow residue management practices and to use minimum tillage planters to take care of the rest.

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Machine capabilities: • GPS positioning with variable rate chemical requirements pre-programmed according to weed pressure.

• Variable flow control by pressure or impulse adjustment according to spraying speed and rate requirements.

• Up to 20 km/h spraying speeds achievable.

Conservation farming practices take care of the existing soil, moisture and nutrients as a first objective, making them available in abundance and persistently into the future for the crops planted. Farming for our children, not for this year’s crop, is the strategy.

Case study 2: GPS controlled variable rate precision fertiliser spreading Machine capabilities: • GPS positioning with fertiliser requirements pre-programmed according to yield potential charts.

• Variable rate control according to spreading width and ground speed.

• Variable spread width with section control.

• Auto calibration.

Watch out for: • Boom spraying height consistency: Nozzle overlap and efficiency of reaching the target rely heavily upon a consistent boom height of 500 mm (110 degree nozzles) or 750 mm (80 degree nozzles) above the target. A boom height increase of 400 mm beyond the required norm, potentially results in a 40% reduction of chemical active cover on the target. Exceeding spraying speeds that compromise this consistent boom height requirement, will result in bad chemical control of the weed and the potential build-up of resistance to the active ingredient.

• Wrong nozzle pressure: The flow control system will increase or decrease pressure to give the required flow as speed and weed pressure requirements vary. If this pressure exceeds or undercuts the optimum pressure range for the chosen nozzle, the system will warn the operator, but it can be ignored. With the pressure too high, in a quest to deliver the correct flow at the

high speed, the target coverage will diminish rapidly, resulting in drift. At a too low pressure, the spray angle of the nozzle will decrease to a point where strip spraying will occur.

• Poor agitation: Centrifugal pumps are normally used on self-propelled sprayers to enable delivery of the high flow rates required for superfast spraying and agitation. The flow delivered by a centrifugal pump is inversely proportional to the pressure requirement. This could lead to circulation and agitation starvation in the tank when pressures required for a given flow at high speed is leaving too little bypass for agitation. The result could be filter and nozzle clogging or, even worse, non-uniform chemical concentration in the tank resulting in crop damage or bad weed control.

In the above case studies, the controlled parameters by the electronics, software and positioning systems would not have been able to even identify a problem, and the results could have been catastrophic – both in the long run and immediately!

Good “old school” knowledge of the basics in agronomy, soil science, engineering and common sense are the real and only safeguarding against DECISION and PRECISION blunders.

In this way DECISION FARMING (doing the right things – farming for our children) is executed by PRECISION FARMING (doing the things in the correct manner) to produce CONSISTANTLY into the future.

Watch out for: • Correct mechanical machine height and angle on top link mount – set it according to operator’s manual specifications, make sure that stabilisers and top link are tightened and in the correct position. You are GUARANTEED to miss spots or overlap if you get this wrong!

• Screen every batch of granular fertiliser to determine the fine particle component.

You will experience a large overdose application in the close proximity of the driving line if the fine particle component does not fall within the required parameters!

Case study 3: GPS controlled variable rate precision herbicide spraying ProAgri Zambia 10

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Big players show top technology at

Val Farmers’ day This year about 3 000 farmers attended the Val Farmers’ Day demonstrations in the Eastern Highveld of South Africa. “We are very impressed with the growth in attendance. About 3 000 people attended the show this year, which means a hundred percent increase over the last three years,” Hardus Smith, Chairman of Val Farmers’ Day, said. Since there are so many implements available in South Africa as well as Zambia, we decided to show you what these implements can do under demonstration conditions under the watchful eyes of many farmers.

T

he proof of the pudding is in the eating, and this saying also holds true when a farmer goes implement shopping. An immaculately clean implement on a showroom floor means nothing to a farmer – he does not want to know what a machine looks like; he wants to see how it WORKS. The Val Farmers’ Union in the Eastern Highveld of South Africa understands the farmer’s need to see machines in action before he can make his final decision.

Therefore, the Val Farmers’ Day was organised 21 years ago and today it is the biggest demonstration of agricultural equipment in South-Africa, where some 30 of the main manufacturers and dis-

tributors of implements and tractors in South-Africa demonstrate their machines to show their worth on a real piece of farmland.

Every tractor and implement awaits its turn in a line a few hundred metres long, and farmers can see the quality in planting, spraying, harvesting, cultivating or spreading for themselves, with ample time to ask questions and request more demonstrations. A couple of material handling machines also demonstrated their abilities.

Before every demonstration, the relevant representative briefly informs the farmers of its specifications and outstanding features.

by Du Preez de Villiers

JCB

Valtra

The Finnish tractor manufacturer, Valtra, is the number one tractor manufacturer in Scandinavia and has been building tractors for more than 60 years now. The Valtra T-series (front) and the N-series (two in the back) can be tailored with a wide range of options and features at the factory according to the requirements of the customer.

Kverneland CLC Pro Massey Ferguson

The JCB 531-70 telescopic material handler can extend to 7 metres to place that odd last bale, crate or load of manure with a weight of more than 3 tons on top of your stack or pile.

The Kverneland CLC Pro from Jupidex is capable of working the soil 40 cm deep. The Massey Ferguson 8670 drawing it has a maximum power output of 238,6 kW with a torque of 1 400,7 Nm. ProAgri Zambia 10

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Amazone

The Amazone UX 4200 Super trailed sprayer has a working width of 15 to 28 m, and it can fold up to a slim 2,4 m. The parallelogram design ensures that the steel boom is multi-shock absorbent.

Challenger

With 440 kW output power, the Challenger MT875E is the big boy in the MT800E-series. The Mobil-trac undercarriage ensures that a farmer can put the maximum power to the soil surface with the minimum of slip or compaction.

Claas

This 257 kW beast from Claas is powered by an 8,7 litre FPT (Fiat Power Train) 6-cylinder engine. The Axion 930 has a top speed of 50 km/h which allows the farmer to move quickly between different outlying farms or hauling trailers with their loads.

Rovic Leers

The Rovic Leers RL10 000 spreader has a spreading width of up to 18 m depending on the type of material and can carry 10 000 litres of materials such as lime or dry manure. A chain belt feeder conveys the material to

John Deere

Orthman

The 8 row 1tRipr strip-tillage machine from Orthman with the individual fertiliser applicators on top, allow the farmer to perform two operations in one. This precision implement prepares the ideal seedbed before it places the nutrients exactly where the seeds need it to grow properly.

The John Deere S670 combine harvester has a 14 100 litre grain tank and can unload at a speed of 135 litres per second. The S series also features the ProDrive-option. As soon as the ground conditions change, the ProDrive transmission system automatically shifts between two speed ranges.

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The static exhibitors also impressed the visitors, and 105 stalls were counted. This is also the ideal place where newcomers to the market can gain access to the many farmers’ feet and enquiring eyes.

Gehl

The Gehl R260 Skid loader from Manitou with a mulcher attachment convert big logs to small chips in areas that are cleared for pastures. The fine wood chips are converted into compost to feed your grass.

Rula

Wuhlf Equipment imports material handling equipment from China and also designs and builds machines in South Africa. Francois Henning demonstrates the ‘Meerkat’, which is a prime example of a machine designed in Africa and built in China. The Meerkat is in permanent 4x4 mode and the transmission is hydrostatic. “This forklift's mast can lift 2 tonnes and it can be ordered in three or four meter lengths. A bucket attachment is also available. This machine was launched two years ago, and today more than a hundred of them are working on farms every day,” Francois said.

Poldaw

Rula is a new kid on the block, and promises to have a huge impact with patents for new implements in Southern Africa.

This Johannesburg based manufacturer of mining equipment started their Agri division last year. Their flagship implement is the SeedmaX precision planter and with the Xfert combination on top, it can place liquid or granule fertiliser, and liquid or granule herbicide. They patented their measuring unit as well as their 12,3 m boom. “Our planter can precision place 400 kg of fertiliser per ha while driving at 12 km/h,” Tiaan van Loggerenberg says. Jaco Niemand, Tiaan van Loggerenberg, Jimmy Ebersohn and Joseph Logotle are very proud with this fine piece of equipment.

AgriCad

Poldaw is an international windmill manufacturer.

Friamie Vorster and JP Vorster acquired their 11th franchise and they have been manufacturing Poldaw windmills in South Africa for 12 years now. Nowadays they are exporting a significant number of windmills to Zambia and Namibia. Although windmill technology is very old, “there is always a place for a windmill on a farm, because there is sufficient wind in Southern Africa,” Friamie says.

AgriCad designed the first locally manufactured liquid fertiliser applicator. The KT094 is available in 6 m and 12 m widths with 12 to 24 rows and a 7 000 litre tank. “We sold three of these units before the first one was completed.

Liquid fertiliser is becoming more and more popular since it enables farmers to stretch their planting season, and the fertiliser manufacturers can also deliver over an extended period,” Eddie Neuhoff says. Charl Fouché and Wim van Heerden are flanking him.

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10 August 2016

ProAgri Zambia 10

We celebrate 90 years of ACSZ-showcase excellence 90

years is a very long time and hosting a show over more than three generations requires some special skills. The organisation responsible for this achievement is the Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia (ACSZ). This year was no exception, and more than 7 000 people flocked through the gates of this huge event, which was held over six days at the Lusaka showgrounds. The show ended on a high note on Farmers’ Day on the first of August.

The theme of the show was: “Managing Environment for Growth”, which is a vital approach at this day and age, especially in Zambia where agriculture is growing at an unprecedented rate.

The more than 1 000 exhibitors offered a colourful display of a wide variety of machines and services and it was not easy to choose a few winners: In the livestock category the overall winners were Blessington Farms for their pig exhibit, ZAMBEEF for fat stock cattle, Kanakantapa Evergreen Women for goats; State Lodge for the best sheep exhibit and Hybrid for the best poultry exhibit.

The first prize in the cut flower, fruit and vegetable category was awarded to Rukaiya Jinwalla.

The Eastern province was awarded the prize for Best National Productivity and Muchinga province took the first prize in the Best National Efficiency category.

Susan Mwanza, sales consultant for ProAgri, was ready to assist any enquiring or aspiring farmer.

by Du Preez de Villiers

After 90 fruitful years the ACSZ show in Lusaka is still gaining in popularity.

This year, more than 7 000 people went through the gates.

Farmers from all the different sectors and all over the country were welcomed at the joint ProAgri and Agriserve stalls.

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Our contact details: www.breedingimpulszambia.com breedingimpulszambia@gmail.com www.breedingimpulszambia.com Willem van Zyl +260 (0)96 562 0775 willem@agriserveagro.com Copperbelt, Central-, Southern- & Western Province: Alberto +260 (0)97 172 0550 Breeding Impuls Zambia specializes in reproductive services and products for dairy and beef cattle. We specialize in AI, synchronization, pregnancy diagnosis by sonograph, semen and AI equipment sales.

Based on our international experiences we created a “breeding manual” to help farmers to choose the right breed to achieve their goals. Semen is imported from different countries over the world, to provide the best genetics for a reasonable price.

Our Services: • Artificial Insemination • Pregnancy diagnosis (palpitation, sonograph) • Synchronization Our Products: • Liquid Nitrogen • Bull semen:

- Dairy semen: Fleckvieh, Holstein-Friesian, Jersey

- Beef semen: Fleckvieh, Simental, Aberdeen Angus (red, black), Brahman, Boran, Brangus, Bonsmara, Tuli • Synchronization hormones (Syntex) • AI equipment: “Liquid Nitrogen For Sale Liquid Nitrogen flasks, AI kits, AI guns universal, minicutters, tweezers, sheaths, thaw units, thaw monitors, gloves, lubricants, disinfectants

Dehorn cattle for more profits

Part two – Methods

Last month we discussed the reasons for dehorning and in this second part of the short series we take a look at different methods of dehorning.

By Neil Anderson - Lead Veterinarian - Disease Prevention, Ruminants/OMAFRA (Ontario Ministery of Agriculture and Food)

Polled bulls

Horned or polled cows mated to a naturally polled bull (Angus) will give birth to polled calves. However, some non-naturally polled bulls carry the gene for horns and will not breed true for the polled trait.

Advantages and disadvantages • welfare friendly • availability of genetics for a specific beef or dairy breed • selection for genetically polled is a trend for exotic breeds • sensitive issue for breeders of horned cattle

Chemical dehorning

Caustic chemicals will prevent the growth of horns when properly applied to the horn buds of new-born (less than three weeks of age) calves. The chemical destroys the horn-producing cells around the horn bud. The chemicals are available as sticks or pastes (Figure 1). To protect yourself, wear gloves when applying the chemicals. To protect the calf, avoid application near its eyes. Do not use caustics in rainy weather.

Figure 1: Dehorning paste is a caustic chemical applied to horn buds to destroy horn-producing cells.

Technique • Administer sedation, analgesia and local anaesthetic.

• Expose the horn bud by pushing the

hair back (Figure 2).

• Apply the caustic to the horn button.

Use a wooden applicator. Apply a thin layer.

• Re-position the hair over the paste and horn bud to cover the horn bud.

• Although the package insert may instruct operators to clip hair at the horn bud, experienced operators have shown that not clipping hair is preferable, because the hair keeps the caustic in place, reduces the risk of irritation to the cows udder and flanks and reduces irritation to other facial skin of the calf.

• Protect the calf and the cow from accidental caustic burns. One method is to place a patch of duct tape over each horn bud. The duct tape usually falls off in a few days. Keep dairy calves in individual pens.

• In some countries, the technique is only permitted in calves younger than eight days of age.

Advantages and disadvantages • performed at a young age with less stress than some other techniques • bloodless • use in any season • painful without anaesthesia • avoid contact with eyes; operator should wear gloves • do not use in rainy weather

Figure 2: The circle at the base of the ear shows the location of the horn bud in a young calf. The horn bud is readily visible after pushing back the hair. Reposition the hair over the paste and bud after applying the dehorning paste

• not permitted in some countries • horns or scurs follow improper technique • requires pain control

Hot iron dehorning

Hot iron dehorners are available in versions heated by a furnace or fire, 12-volt battery, 220-volt electricity, power packs such as Buddex™ or LP gas (Figure 3).

The head of the iron is a hollow circle and it fits over the horn bud.

Proper application of the hot iron will destroy the horn-producing skin at the base of the horn. This technique works well for calves up to 12 weeks old.

There are several sizes of dehorning irons. The proper size is one where the burner makes a complete ring around the base of the horn. For electric irons, use a short extension cord as voltage drops with a long cord, limiting the amount of heat generated by the dehorner.

Technique • Administer sedation, analgesia and local anaesthetic.

• Preheat the dehorning iron to a red colour. Both electric and gas irons work best when they are “red” hot.

• Wear gloves to protect your hands.

• Hold the calf’s ear out of the way to keep it from being burned.

• Place the tip of the burner over the horn and apply slight pressure. When the burning hair begins to smoke, slowly rotate the dehorner by twisting your wrist.

• Continue the application of heat for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not leave the dehorner in place for much longer, especially with young calves. Heat can be transferred through the thin bones of the skull and damage the calf’s brain.

• Dehorning is complete when there is a copper-coloured ring all the way around the base of the horn.

Figure 3: An electric hot-iron dehorner will destroy the hornproducing skin at the base of the horn bud.

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• The horn bud or button will slough off in 4 to 6 weeks.

Advantages and disadvantages • bloodless • can be used at any time of the year • young calves up to 12 weeks of age • unreliable when done incorrectly, leads to scurs (partial horn growth) • requires expertise - pain control and technique

Dehorning spoon or tube

Dehorning spoons or tubes provide a quick and efficient technique for removing horn buds in calves younger than eight weeks of age (Figure 4).

With this method, a sharpened metal tube cuts through and removes the horn-producing skin at the base of the horn bud. Use the proper size tube to remove the horn plus about 1/8 inch of skin around the entire horn bud.

Technique • Administer sedation, analgesia and local anaesthetic.

• Select the correct size tube (4 sizes available) to fit over the horn bud, and cover about 3 mm of skin around the horn base.

• Place the cutting edge straight down over the horn.

• Apply pressure to the tube; push and twist the tube until the skin has been cut through.

• Cut under the horn bud and remove it, using a scooping motion.

• Apply an antiseptic to the wound.

Some bleeding may occur.

• Clean and disinfect the cutting edge of the tube between calves.

Scoop, gouge or Barnes-type dehorner

Scoop dehorners are used for calves ranging in age from two to four months with horns up to four inches long.

Some operators claim better dehorning with a rectangular-shaped scoop because it removes an even ring of skin around and with the horn bud. When used properly, it does not go too deep, but the dehorner can open the frontal sinus when used at the top end of the age and horn-size range. The blades must be kept sharp for best results.

Technique • Administer sedation, analgesia and local anaesthetic.

• Close the handles together.

• Place the jaws of the dehorner over the horn bud. The objective is to completely remove a ring of skin surrounding the horn base. Therefore, adjust the opening as needed • Press the gouge gently against the head. Maintain the pressure and quickly spread the handles apart to bring the blades together to remove skin and the horn bud.

• Control bleeding by pulling the artery with forceps or using a hot iron to cauterise the artery.

• Clean and disinfect the jaws of the gouge between calves.

Aftercare Dehorning and disbudding are surgical procedures. Calves require observation and aftercare following the surgery.

• Observe closely for bleeding for 30 to 60 minutes after dehorning.

• When bleeding is present, cauterise with a hot iron to stop the bleeding.

• Wounds usually heal well with no treatment.

• A fly repellent and a wound dressing are often recommended.

• For 10 to 14 days after dehorning, look for signs of infection and treat as needed.

• Get professional help for calves showing severe pain or infection.

Disinfection of equipment

Diseases can be spread from animal to animal on dehorning equipment contaminated with blood. Enzootic bovine leucosis virus and the wart virus are two examples. It is essential to disinfect the tube and Barnes-type dehorners after each calf is dehorned.

Figure 5: A Barnes-type dehorner scoops the horn and horn-producing skin surrounding the horn base.

Frontal sinus horn

Technique • Rinse blood off with cold water after each calf is dehorned.

• Place the equipment into an antiseptic after the calf is dehorned.

• Change the antiseptic solution frequently to maintain its potency.

• Prepare a disinfectant solution by adding 110 g of creosol to 4,5 ℓ of water.

• Store the equipment only after cleaning and disinfecting.

The heat from electric dehorners effectively disinfects them between calves.

Hot-iron dehorners occasionally require cleaning with a wire brush.

Figure 4: A dehorning spoon or tube is used to remove the horn bud plus the horn-producing skin at the base of the bud.

Advantages and disadvantages • not bloodless • useful for young calves • risk of infection because of open wounds • avoid use during fly season • unreliable when done incorrectly, leads to scurs • requires expertise - pain control, technique, control of bleeding

Advantages and disadvantages • fast - takes a few seconds to perform • useful after the horn bud attaches to the skull • not bloodless • risk of infection because of open wounds • opens the frontal sinus in older calves • avoid use during fly season • unreliable when done incorrectly, leads to scurs • requires expertise - anaesthesia, sedation, analgesia and technique • requires control of bleeding - pulling arteries or cautery

Figure 6: With young calves, the Barnes-type dehorner removes horn-producing skin but does not cut into the frontal sinus as shown by the arced line. In older calves with the horn attached to the skull, the dehorner cuts into the frontal sinus.

Visit http: //www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/livestock/dairy/ facts/09-003.htm for more information.

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Bonnox encloses

from pigs to predators

by Du Preez de Villiers

“G

ood fences make good neighbours.” We have all heard this little gem of wisdom before, but if you can add ‘quality’, ‘durable’ and ‘lasting’ to the description, you most probably have erected Bonnox-fencing on your farm already.

Bonnox doesn’t need an effusive introduction to the ProAgri Zambia reader and this month we shall focus on a few of their most popular products, custom made for the tough fencing challenges in Africa.

For the farmer who is serious about pasture management or who wants to move his camps often, Porta Pen is the answer. It consists of a mesh wire fence with one to three anchor points which enables large- and small-scale farmers to keep a certain number of small animals in a circular camp of 10 m diameter. With more than one Porta Pen, a farmer can work out numerous shapes and sizes to contain his goats, sheep or pigs while they graze the pasture to the desired length.

Porta Pen is strong but very light and easy to move. With a wire thick-

The Flexi Fence has a unique ring lock construction which allows the horizontal wires to bend as much as 45 degrees over uneven terrain.

ness of 3,5 mm, it weighs only 45 kg and with 2,5 mm, it weighs 27 kg. The openings are a convenient 100 mm x 100 mm to keep even the rowdiest ram or smallest lamb inside.

The Money saver™ is ideal for large dogs, pigs, sheep, and cattle. The spacing becomes smaller towards the impact zone on the bottom to offer more resistance and to keep the younger, smaller animals inside. A farmer can choose between two types, one with vertical spacing of 150 mm or one with 300 Savannah Heuser from Emoya Big Cat Sanctumm. The height varies ary and her friend, JP Pienaar, feel safe with the between 0,65 m and 1,41 Square mesh™ (4x4) between them and one of m, with 6 to 11 horizontal the lionesses. The Square Mesh™ is specifically wires. designed for predators.

The horizontal wire spacing of Close mesh™ is animals are so used to. The Square 100 mm and this range is available in Mesh™ cat fencing with 100 mm x 300 mm and 150 mm spacing be100 mm openings was our answer. It tween vertical wires, ranging from makes our rehabilitation project so 0,9 m to 2,44 m in height. It is suitmuch easier because it still provides able for more demanding animals like sturdiness while it is virtually ‘invisgoats but designed especially for ible’,” Savannah says.

African game. The 2 mm diameter A farmer can order Square Mesh™ horizontal wires are made of high in heights of 0,91 m, 1,22 m, 1,83 tensile steel with a 415 kg breaking m or 2,44 m. The first two are ideal strength and the 2 mm vertical stay for keeping out jackal and the others wires are made of mild steel with a work well for predators and security.

220 kg breaking strength.

A Bonnox farmer is a satisfied and For the farmer who has to erect a happy farmer and the durability of the fence in a hilly area with steep slopes, fully galvanised fencing will make his Flexi-fence is the answer. With its children happy and contented farmers unique ring lock construction, it allows as well. the wire to bend as much as 45 degrees while it still has all the strength and features of the other wires. This range is available in heights of 1,5 m, 1,8 m and 2,1 m.

The Kombi Fence range has a horizontal wire spacing of 100 mm and allows the farmer to choose between a Close mesh and a Square mesh combination.

Bonnox is a proud fencing sponMany competitors can only dream sor of the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in about the longevity of the fully galthe Northern province of South-Africa, vanised Bonnox wire. where abused and neglected predators are being rehabilitated. Their 4x4 Call our friendly sales team Square mesh™ cat fencing came in +27-12-666-8717 or send an very handy for Minunette and Savane-mail to nah Heuser who had to erect camps zane@bonnox.co.za, for 33 circus lions recently imported gerda@bonnox.co.za, or from South America. “After many linda@bonnox.co.za. Also visit their years of experience in predator rehauseful website at bilitation we realised that we should www.bonnox.co.za for more get as far away as possible from the information. unsightly bar and cage motive these

ProAgri Zambia 10

August 2016

17

Get ahead with good brooding practices Dr Oscar Blanco (BVSc, PhD)

Part1: Thriving in a warm environment

A

comfortable chicken is a profitable chicken which guarantees more money in the farmer's pocket. Therefore it is of utmost importance to understand the science behind happy chickens. Over the next three months we shall investigate this important matter.

This series consists of three articles, aimed at understanding why we need to brood small chicks and what the consequences of suboptimal brooding are. It should be made clear that these documents do not intend to be a guideline for brooding, so the reader is encouraged to contact his/ her day-old-chick supplier to get practical recommendations on the matter.

Giving the chicks a warm environment Brooding is, arguably, the most crucial stage in the life of broiler chickens and comprises the first 2 weeks of the chicken’s life. Failure to achieve the desired environmental conditions during this time results in developmental and health problems that affect the birds not only during the brooding period, but it may also compromise the future performance and liveability of the birds.

Historically, Zambian winters are short and temperate; however, 2016 has been particularly cold. These conditions have clearly shown out the shortcomings in brooding techniques.

This resulted in many farmers having experienced an increasing feed conversion ratio, longer finishing times and/or higher mortality towards the end of the production cycle (mainly due to ascites). This situation had a negative impact on the profitability of those enterprises, resulting sometimes in net losses.

Why do we need to brood our birds?

Fully grown broilers are able to control their body temperature, maintaining it in a very narrow range (between 40,5 °C to 43 °C) when they are exposed to a wide range of ambient temperatures. This regulation is achieved by using a few mechanisms that, when working together, result in

a net increase or decrease of heat loss to the environment.

The basic idea is as follows: the more heat a bird retains in its body, the higher its body temperature will be; equally, the more heat the bird loses, the lower its body temperature will drop.

When the bird is in a cold environment, it naturally tends to lose heat, so it uses those regulatory mechanisms mentioned above in order to produce more heat in its body and to decrease the heat loss to the environment.

Conversely, when the mature bird is in a warm environment, those mechanisms are tuned into “heatloss mode” to avoid its body temperature to escalate, for example the bird begins to pant.

These mechanisms are used at a cost, for example a higher need of feed energy during winter. (This article is not directly concerned with such costs, so they will not be further discussed.)

However, in the first two weeks of life, chickens are incapable of such fine-tuning. Furthermore, since their feather coats do not offer good insulation, and also due to their small body size, they tend to lose heat at a very high rate.

In order to counteract these initial regulatory limitations, the mother hen gives her hatchlings insulation and heat by covering them under her wings. Furthermore, the hen procures food for her chicks and teaches them how to eat.

In intensive broiler production, the incubator has replaced the broody hen before hatching. After hatching, it is necessary to emulate what the hen does by keeping the chicks at appropriate temperatures, with plenty of food and water at their disposal.

Moreover, we need to make sure chicks find the feed and the water during the first day, and help them to do so if needed.

As mentioned above, failure to provide proper brooding conditions results in increased mortalities during the first two weeks, as well as in developmental problems that will affect the birds towards the end of the production cycle.

ProAgri Zambia 10

Next month we will look at how a farmer can emulate the mother hen in his pens for optimum results.

August 2016

19

How to maintain a sub-surface drip system A large capital investment is made when a sub-surface drip system is bought. For the sake of looking after your investment, it is vitally important to do regular maintenance and to know which type of maintenance to do, to ensure that the system can be used for as long as possible. Irrigation expert from Agriplas, Chris Barnard, gives practical advice:

Clogging that occurs can be classified into three groups:

1. Physical clogging:

The types of clogging that occur are usually because of sand that gets stuck in the dripper or silt that settles in the dripper flow path.

The installation and use of effective filtration is important to prevent this from happening. Regular flushing of the system and the lateral lines will also prevent it. Flush the system once every two weeks by opening five laterals at a time and then closing them, and then repeating the process.

Another reason for physical clogging is root intrusion into the dripper outlet after the system is shut down.

The following treatment is suggested to combat root penetration: Treflan treatment to stop root penetration of the dripper • The active ingredient of this product is Trifluralin • The dosage is 300 ml Treflan for every 5 000 dripper outlets • The first treatment should start directly after the first irrigation • Repeat the treatment twice per season thereafter • The treatment must be done during normal irrigation times • Ensure that the system is under pressure before dosage is started • Ensure that all the chemicals are completely and correctly dosed • After the Treflan treatment, clean water must be supplied to the system for 15 minutes • Treflan must not be used on soil that is either too wet or too dry 22 August 2016

2. Chemical clogging:

As a result of the cost implication and the danger of using acids, the following must be kept in mind: • Check for flow deviations from the designed flow for the system • If a deviation of more than 15% occurs, do a physical measurement of the drip flowrate at at least 10 drippers • Determine if there is carbonate precipitate by physically checking the drippers • Acids can be readily used on soils that have been brought to field capacity, limited changes in the soil pH • Always add the acid to the water, and never water to the acid • Use safety clothes

This type of clogging occurs where calcium or magnesium carbonates, calcium sulphates and heavy metals or fertiliser precipitates in the dripper flow path. Table 1 can be used in conjunction with a water analysis to predict the clogging hazard of the water being used to irrigate with.

Water classification for the prediction of clogging hazard The precipitation of carbonates normally happens at a pH of more than 7,5. If the pH goes lower than 5, the carbonates should stay in solution. If iron and manganese in non-soluble form are precipitated, a pH of 2 – 3 of the irrigation water will be needed to get those elements in solution again.

The use of acids is advised for this purpose. The choice of acid must be done on recommendation of an advisor. The following types of acids can be used to lower the pH, and have a contribution to the nutritional status of the soil: • Phosphoric acid – also as a source of phosphorous for the plant • Nitric acid – also as nitrogen source • Sulphuric acid – also as sulphur source • Hydrochloric acid – no specific use for the plant

The correction of the water pH can be done with a titration test that is done in-situ of the irrigation water.

The following method is suggested: Use one litre irrigation water, titrate the acid in millilitres in the water and mix well. Measure the water pH and repeat the process until the ideal pH is reached.

The amount of acid needed is multiplied by 1 000, in order to determine the amount of acid per cubic meter of water. The answer is multiplied with the flow of the system (cubic meters

Chemical

Low

Medium

High

Ph

<7

7 – 8

>8

TDS (ppm)

<500

500 – 2000

>2000

Manganese (ppm)

<0, 1

0, 1 – 1, 5

>1, 5

Iron (ppm)

<0,2

0,2 – 2,0

>2,0

Hydrogen sulphate (ppm)

<0, 2

0, 2 – 2, 0

>2, 0

Table 1

ProAgri Zambia 10

per hour) to determine the total acid required (in millilitres).

The acid must be injected into the system over a period of one hour. The system must then be left standing overnight with the acid. The next morning the system must be flushed well, before irrigation is started again.

If more treatments are planned, in-situ tests must be done regularly. By using this method it can be determined how much acid is needed.

3. Biological clogging

Biological clogging occurs where microorganisms (bacteria et cetera) are growing in the system.

The organisms form colonies against the wall of the pipe (biofilm) and reduce the oxygen levels which in turn changes the state of some of the elements from soluble to dissoluble, for example iron and manganese. Some of the older colonies break off and move into the dripper flow path where it can result in clogging.

The following factors can increase the development of the biofilm: • High water temperature, especially during summer months • If the velocity of the water is low, as is normally the case with dripper lines • Availability of nutrients, especially where fertiliser is added into the water (fertigation) • Coarseness of the pipe wall helps the micro-organisms to bind to the wall • Water with a pH of more than 7

Various methods for the control of the biofilm are available: • The use of ozone • Hydrogen peroxide • Ultra sound • Different commercial mixtures • HTH or calcium hypochlorite or normal chlorine The use of HTH HTH is not a chloride, but a chlorite.

Chloride is found in table salt, PVC and in chemicals. Chlorite is the active form which is very dangerous, toxic and a very good disinfecting material.

Different types of chlorine are available including sodium hypochlorite (byproduct is sodium), chlorine gas as well as calcium hypochlorite (by-product is calcium).

When calcium hypochlorite (HTH) is added to water, calcium hydroxide and hypochlorite acid develop, which is a disinfecting material that destroys the bio film.

The optimal use of HTH must be pH 7,0 – pH 7,5. Various concentrations of chlorite can be added, depending on the extent of the problem.

It must be kept in mind that HTH only contains 65% - 70% active chlorite so adjustments to calculations must be made accordingly.

Methods of chlorite administering • Continually: 1 – 2 ppm • Periodically: 15 – 20 ppm • Last irrigation: 3 – 10 ppm • Shock treatment: 150 ppm

It is important to know that wherever chlorine is added continually, a chlorite measurement must be done on the furthest outlets. The measurement can be done with a DPD 1 test (similar to those done on swimming pools).

Conclusion Sub-surface drip irrigation works very well if it is designed, installed and managed properly.

Information courtesy an Agriplas advisory on sub-surface drip on lucerne compiled by Chris Barnard.

For more information please contact Agriplas at +27-21-917-7177.

ProAgriZambia Zambia10 09

ProAgri

July 2016 August 2016 23 23

ETG fertilisers make agriculture happen A vibrant agricultural country like Zambia needs a solid supporting industry leader that will not shy away when planting season is upon us and the raw input materials have to roll in through the farm gates.

by Du Preez de Villiers A company that understands the high stakes involved in crop production, is ETG (Export Trading Group). They have proven themselves over the past nine years as a no-nonsense enterprise with an awareness of the challenges in this sector and the huge responsibility it entails to supply farmers with fertiliser and crop protection in time.

The procurement of raw materials, blending and distribution of fertiliser are their largest operations, but they also focus on warehousing, processing, logistics, distribution and merchandising of agricultural goods. This extensive network and infrastructure enable ETG to source the best quality fertiliser at the lowest prices and to promptly deliver it to even the remotest farms in the country. ETG can utilise their three warehouses or their 28 procurement centres all over the country with free agronomic extensive services to the farmers.

To make it even easier for the Zam-

With the snap of a finger, ETG can deliver your fertiliser on your farm with one of their own 600 trucks or through a third party if necessary.

ETG has their own excellent fertiliser brand, Falcon, which includes a wide range of products.

bian farmer, ETG established their own in-house fertiliser brand, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;FALCONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, in 2007. This wide range includes Urea, NPK, D-Compound, and Ammonium Sulphate-AS, Triple Super Phosphate TSP, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate-CAN, Di Ammonium Phosphate-DAP and Potassium Chloride-MOP. The advantages of a locally blended brand barricade the farmer against international price fluctuations and since ETG is also procuring farm produce, the trade possibilities between the farmer and the company are much more flexible.

ETG has its own brand like FALCON which is popular among small scale farmers, Zambian Fertiliser and Kynoch ranges which are most popular among commercial farmers. With a wide variety of in-house brands, ETG is able to cater for each level of farming and this allows them to capture a large market share in Zambia.

ETG believes that their market is worth investing in and offers frequent demonstration days and training programmes by their skilled staff, either directly or through developmental partners or agricultural unions. In addition to that, ETG has extension officers who advise farmers in the field at each of their distribution outlets.

Call +260-974-772-838, or send an e-mail to sales.zam@etgworld.com to claim your share of ETGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding products and services. Visit their helpful website at www.etgworld.com for more information.

ProAgri Zambia 10

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26 August 2016

ProAgri Zambia 10

Agriplas gains growth from every drop sprinklers and from the most basic to the most advanced automated systems.

The latest development in the drip irrigation field is to manufacture collapsible pipes which take up less space during transport. The drippers are flat chips bonded to the inside wall of the pipe. This contributes to the rapid rate of production.

The drippers themselves are an example of advanced technology. The flat disc has grooves through which the f it depended on Agriplas, water flows to make sure it Southern Africa would have emerges consistently and at The critical T-shaped part of the production line is no food security problems. Their where the molten plastic from the extruder is mould- the correct pressure from plant in Brackenfell, Cape Town, ed into the appropriate pipe shape while the drippers every opening. recently acquired an irrigation Agriplas is the only comare attached to the inside of the pipe wall. pipe manufacturing line from pany that manufactures cyIsrael to provide in the growing lindrical and flat dripper pipes demand for precision irrigation. in Southern Africa. With the new pipe Agriplas has been manufacturing Agriplas can assist farmers to produce production plant, the manufacturing and distributing high quality irrigation more with less water. The brand new process is now fully automated. equipment for 40 years now. They also 40 metre long pipe manufacturing line â&#x20AC;&#x153; The new plant is set up in such a supply retailers with a wide range of is fully automated and can produce way that I can access all the control irrigation equipment, from pumps to over 7 kilometres of pipe per hour. parameters and test results from my phone tablet or home computer,â&#x20AC;? says Trevor Myburgh, Production Manager of Agriplas.

As water grows scarcer it becomes more important that every drop applied by the farmer should be used as efficiently as possible.

Fortunately, farmers of Southern Africa have access to the benefits of worldclass irrigation technology provided by companies such as Agriplas in Cape Town.

I

Let your water work for you. Ask your local irrigation supplier for Agriplas equipment or visit www.agriplas.co.za for more information.

The pipe is first flattened and then snipped off in 500 m lengths and coiled for transport.

The new pipe manufacturing plant at Agriplas is fully automated and works very fast.

The system determines exactly where the dripper is located on the inside wall of the pipe before it signals the hole punch the command to punch the hole, and thereafter a photograph is taken of every punch action for later reference.

Trevor Myburgh (right) is the Production Manager of Agriplas, and Ronaldo Hendrikse (left) will soon take over from him to supply farmers all over Southern Africa with much needed irrigation pipes.

ProAgri Zambia 10

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SOIL: The farmer’s most important asset PART 7: Cation exchange and base saturation 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. In this article, the exchange of cations and the base saturation percentage are discussed.

C

ations are fundamental to plant nutrition, because a variety of essential elements are adsorbed by plants in the form of ions, specifically in the positively charged format (cations).

These elements and compounds are retained in the soil through electrical attraction and are made available to plants through cation exchange. The greater the ability of a specific soil to retain cations and make them available to plants, the better the potential fertility of the soil will be.

Cation exchange Because the clays are mostly negatively charged, cations (elements and compounds with a positive charge) are mostly adsorbed. We therefore focus on cation adsorption and pay less attention to anion adsorption. Cations that are adsorbed by the clays can be displaced through exchange. For example, two hydrogen (H+) ions can displace one calcium (Ca2+) ion, should the hydrogen ion concentration in the soil solution be increased.

The opposite reaction may take place again when the Ca+ concentration is increased. The force with which cations are adsorbed (should the concentrations be the same) takes place as follows:

adsorbed the weakest. Na+ ions can displace Ca2+ or Al3+ ions, but the concentration thereof must be considerably higher that of Ca2+, for example, before it would be displaced. There is therefore a balance between the concentration of adsorbed cations and the concentration of the non-adsorbed cations in the soil solution. When the concentration of a certain cation, for example Ca2+, is increased in the soil solution, it will displace the cations that are less strongly bound, Na+ for example, via exchange. In all cases, one Ca+ ion will displace two Na+ ions, so that the system remains electrically neutral.

Cation Exchange Capacity The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of a soil is the sum of the exchangeable cations that a soil can adsorb and exchange. It is measured in centimole (cmole) positive charge per kilogram of soil, or cmolec kg-1 (1 cmolec kg-1 = 1 me 100 g-1 which is outdated).

A soil with a CEC of 10 cmolec kg-1, for example, will therefore be able to adsorb 10 cmole monovalent cations such as K+ and / or Na+ per kg of soil, but only 5 cmole divalent cations such as Ca2+ and / or Mg2+. Therefore, one mole charge is equivalent to 1 mole

monovalent cations (K+, Na+ or H+) or ½ mole divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) or 1/3 mole trivalent cations (Al3+).

In all cases the negative charge on the soil colloids must be balanced by the positive charge originating from H+, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+ or other cations such as ammonia (NH4+). For example, 10 cmole negative charges on the soil colloids must be balanced by 10 cmole positive charges from the cations. [A mole is a number, given by Avogadro’s constant: 6,022 x 1023] In exchange reactions, 1 mole monovalent cations (H+, K+, Na+) are needed to exchange with a ½ mole divalent cations (Ca+, Mg+) or a 1/3 mole of trivalent cations (Al+). The opposite reactions are also possible, for example: 1 mole K+ or 39 g K+ will be displaced by ½ mole Ca2+ or 40/2 = 20 g Ca2; or 1 cmole K+ = 0,39 g K+ kg-1 can be displaced by 0,5 cmole Ca2+ = 0,20 g Ca2+. [The relationship between one mole of a substance and the mass thereof is given by the molecular mass in the periodic table.]

Determination of the CEC The CEC of the soil is chemically determined via a number of chemical exchange reactions in the laboratory. Firstly, all non-adsorbed salts are washed out of the soil. Then the exchangeable cations are leached out of the soils using NH4+-acetate. Finally, the concentration of the adsorbed NH4+ is determined. It is this concentration which is equated with the CEC. Factors determining the CEC The negative charge in soil originates from the clay, organic and amorphous colloids. The degree of the negative charge differs for the various colloids.

The CEC of soils will therefore also differ according to the type of colloid and

Al3+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na+ > Li+ In this series, also known Lyotropic series, Al3+ has the largest valence and the smallest hydrated ion radius, and is therefore bound the strongest. Na+ and Li+ are monovalent, have a large hydrated ion radius and are therefore

Calloid Ca2+ + 2H+

Calloid

H+ + Ca2+ H+

Figure 1: A schematic representation of Ca2+ in the clay complex, which is displaced by two H+ ions.

ProAgri Zambia 10

August 2016

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30 July 2016

ProAgri Zambia 09

the amount thereof in the soil. The CEC will increase with an increase in the clay content and will vary according to the clay mineral composition.

For example, take a soil with 30% clay, comprising 10% kaolinite, 10% fine mica and 10% montmorillonite.

One kilogram of soil will therefore contain 300 g clay, which is composed of 100 g of each of the clay minerals.

The negative charge is thus: 1 cmole for kaolinite (10/1000 X 100 = 1 cmolec 100 g-1), plus 3 cmolec for fine mica and 10 cmole for montmorillonite. The CEC of the soil is therefore 14 cmolec kg-1 soil. Apart from the type and quantity of colloids in the soil, the CEC is also dependent on the pH of the soil, as a result of the pH dependent charge. The CEC of the soil will therefore increase should the pH of the soil increase after lime has been added, for example.

The CEC not only determines the potential fertility of the soil, but also restricts pollution of the ground water.

Most of the plant nutritional substances are cations (Ca2+, Mg2+ & K+) which are adsorbed in the soil and are released for plant uptake. Soils with a CEC lower than 5 cmolec kg-1 tend to lose nutrients more easily through leaching than soils with a higher CEC. Soils with a CEC greater than 15 cmolec kg-1 are therefore regarded as naturally fertile because they are resistant to a decrease in nutrients through leaching and plant uptake.

Soil is not only a medium to be used for food production, but is also used to get rid of waste products. All positively charged waste products can be adsorbed in soils with a high enough CEC. In this way, pollution of ground water is restricted.

Base saturation The adsorbed cations can be divided into acid cations (H+ and Al3+) and basic cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, NH4+). The acid cations are non-essential plant nutritional materials and are therefore detrimental for plant nutrition because they occupy negative charges which should have been available to the basic cations (they also have an acidic reaction in the soil). The percentage made up by the basic cations on the exchange complex (base saturation percentage) is therefore and important parameter in the determination of soil fertility. The base saturation usually decreases as the soil pH decreases.

REFERENCES The following sources have been used extensively during the compilation of this article: Van Huyssteen, CW. 2009. Soil Ecology. Unpublished class notes for GKD214. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Du T Burger, R. 1979. Soil Science 115.

Unpublished class notes for GKD115.

University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Brady, NC. 1990. The nature and properties of soils. 10th ed. Macmillan publishing company, New York.

Marshall, TJ & Holmes, JW 1979. Soil Physics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Base saturation (%) = (Ca2 + Mg2 + K2 + Na2) cmoleckg-1 x100

Apart from the base saturation, the concentration of each cation and the relationship they have with each other is also important in the determination of the fertility of the soil. The next article will discuss pH and the role it plays in soil.

Summary In terms of plant nutrition, the availability of basic cations is extremely important. There are major differences between soils in terms of the amount of plant nutrients they can retain.

This is expressed in terms of the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEC. The more the CEC is filled with these plant nutrients, the more the soil can be maintained according to its potential plant growth. It is therefore important to improve and maintain the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fertility status over a period, so that it does not degrade.

CEC (cmoleckg-1) ProAgri Zambia acknowledges Grain SA for the use of this series which originally appeared in Afrikaans in SA Graan/Grain.

For further information, please contact: Martiens du Plessis: martiens@nwk.co.za Cornie van Huyssteen: vanhuysteencw@ufs.ac.za

ProAgri Zambia 10

August 2016

31

G.A. Reddy Construction Graders 140H

Graders 120H

JCB tlb 4x4 Excavator

Address:

Contact:

We do all kinds of jobs regarding earth movers, like mining, fish ponds, road construction, dams, bush clearance and any related work. We have very good equipment with skilled operators.

House no 69, Great East Road, Lusaka Opposite Petroda house 097-118-6787/ 096-202-9259 / 095-013-0918

32 August 2016

Roller compactor

ProAgri Zambia 10

e d a m d n a h y t i l a u q r o i r e Sup s e l b a t d n a s canvas chair

• 8 seaters • 6 seaters & • 4 seaters available

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McCormick 215 ( 194 HP) $40 000 (Negotiable) 6 500 hrs Full service record

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wkritzinger@bhbw.co.zm August 2016

35

Don't hide!

Advertise your product, company or service in ProAgri Zambia We distribute 10 000 copies to farmers and the agricultural community every month.

Hydrautivity Zambia Limited Hydrautivity Zambia Limited is a company specialised in mobile line boring that serves the whole country. We operate with a unique electric driven line boring setup designed and built to improve efficiency.

The line boring machine can line bore from 38mm to 152mm in diameter. We also refurbish buckets, tapping out broken bolts, removal and fitting of pins and bushes.

To us customers are very important and every job will be finished to the tightest tolerances with perfect alignment while keeping down time and costs to a minimum. For quotes/enquiries and bookings please feel free to contact us today.

Contact our Zambian office: Quintus Grobler: +26 (0)96-216-9801 quintus@vanetechnology.com Or our representatives in SA: Xander Pieterse: +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Stefan van Wyk: +27 82-381-7563 stefan@agritrader.co.za Tiny Smith : +27 79-768-1599 tiny@proagri.co.za 36 August 2016

Plot 8086 off Mumbwa Road, Chinika industrial area, Lusaka.

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OMKAR CONSTRUCTION LTD “We hire earthmoving machines and we do land clearance, bush clearance, fish ponds and all kind of construction works”

Plot No. 3064, Great East Road, Lusaka, Zambia, Opp. Engen Filling Station Cell +260-964444001

omkarconstruct@gmail.com 38 August 2016

or +260-976139794

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STAALBOER for Convenient Bulk Storage A quick and lasting solution to water, liquid fertilizer, chemicals and bulk grain storage.

Staalboer is a Proudly South African company manufacturing steel panel reservoirs with capacities ranging from 15 000l to 4 000 000l and heights ranging from 1,3m to 4,9m. The structures are fully galvanized and have a life expectancy in excess of 20 years. Our dams are made from flat steel panels with stiffening rings at the top and bottom and in between as necessary. They have a more pleasing appearance and much better wind resistance than corrugated dams.

QUALITY PRODUCTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

These cost-effective reservoirs are easy to transport by a long wheelbase bakkie, and can be shipped anywhere in the world. The dams can be erected in minimal time by unskilled labour using only basic hand tools and they don’t require a concrete floor. However, Staalboer can do the erection for you.

The liquid is contained by a polyester net-reinforced PVC liner with seams made by a high frequency welding process to provide watertight joints.

The liner is suitable for potable water and a wide range of chemicals and liquid fertilizer. It carries a 10 year pro-rata warranty against sun damage.

STEEL PANEL DAMS - 15KL to 1900KL Capacity - Heights of 1.3m, 1.9M, 2.5m, 3.1m, 3.7m and 4.9m - Easy transport and erection - Steel dome roofs - 30 years life expectancy

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They can be fitted with a 40% or 95% shade net galvanized roof structure. Some sizes can be fitted with a galvanized steel dome roof. The dams can be fitted with any size or number of inlets and outlets. An engineer certificate is available on all our structures at additional cost.

In addition, we manufacture a range of water tank stands for 2 500l, 5 000l and 10 000l tanks in heights of 1,5m, 3,0m, 4,5m, 6,0m, 7,5m, 9,0m and 12,0m.

These stands are either primed or fully galvanized. They have a bolted construction for easy transport and erection. Hinges on two columns eliminates the need for scaffolding or lifting equipment. We provide a galvanized platform on both our primed and galvanized stands. The structure comes with a structural engineering certificate.

All material used complies with ISO standards. Our expert teams are available to do erections country wide and cross border. We are registered as exporters.

Visit our website at www.staalboer.co.za or phone Liz at +27 82-210-0999

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New TATA 65 Seater Bus R1 099 000 Excl Vat 10 Available

DIPAM: +27 72-765-3074 (SALES MANAGER) DAGWOOD: +27 82-705-8086 (DP)

August 2016

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Yieldingtree Pullet Rearers Limited Zambia’s Finest

POINT-OF-LAY PULLETS Available from our agents countrywide Mazabuka- H.S Supplies

0213-230-184

Monze- Kandondo Stores

0213-250-105

Choma- Arupee

0213-220-004

Livingstone-Gawula Agric

0213-321-441

Kitwe/Chingola-Pineland Ranch

0955-925-486

Ndola/Luanshya – Fisenge Group 0955-434-684 Chipata- Mr Sakala

0977-251-915

For Lusaka see address below Tel: 0211-220-020 or 55 Cell: 0967-289-765 Head office: 176 Luanshya Road, Lusaka Quality at prices – w the best e beat an y written q uotation!

DIY dams also available / 10 year guarantee Galvanised iron tanks suitable for human use Supplied with a certificate 4 x 2,3 m galvanised iron tank (29 kℓ) 6 x 2,3 m galvanised iron tank (65 kℓ) 8 x 2,3 m galvanised iron tank (116 kℓ)

– R16 600 – R27 200 – R40 100

Prices include: Roof, galvanised iron, lining, 50 mm outlet, 40 mm overflow, erection and VAT. Transport excluded.

Galvanised iron and grain dams

4 x 2,3 m galvanised iron dam (29 kℓ) 6 x 1,55 m galvanised iron dam (44 kℓ) 6 x 2,3 m galvanised iron dam (65 kℓ) 8 x 2,3 m galvanised iron dam (116 kℓ) 12 x 2,3 m galvanised iron dam (261 kℓ) 14 x 2,3 m galvanised iron dam (354 kℓ)

– R11 900 – R14 100 – R17 800 – R24 400 – R52 900 – R69 000

Tanks from 5 kl to 5 000 kl

Prices include: Galvanised iron, lining, 50 mm outlet, 40 mm overflow, erection and VAT. Transport excluded.

Any size galvanised iron dam, grain dam, galvanised iron tank or lining can be manufactured on request. Erection country-wide, as well as in neighbouring countries.

Shared loads are also available. 0,8 to 1,2 mm Zink-Al sheets with a life expectancy of 2 to 4 times longer than that of traditional sheets are used. 850 gsm pvc linings are manufactured with the aid of a high-frequency welding process.

Linings are UV resistant. Material of the same thickness is used for the walls and the floor.

Should the thickness differ, you get your lining free.

Jannie: +27 72 600 0179 | Boet: +27 82 496 1934 | Office: +27 76 307 7573 E-mail: nwdamme@gmail.com | Website: http://nwdamme.jimdo.com

40 August 2016

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