ProAgri Zambia 28

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 28

Free

Tiger Feeds: Tips for sensible chicken farming Neria’s supplies quality inputs

Incredible in every detail

5th ANNIVERSARY

12 – 14 April 2018

GART Research Centre Chisamba, Zambia

12 April: Farmers Preview Day 13 & 14 April: Open to all agri professionals

ZAMBIA’S LEADING OUTDOOR AGRICULTURE EXPO

Expo times: 12 & 13 April: 09:00 – 17:00 14 April: 09:00 – 15:00 270+ local and international exhibitors International country pavilions 18 free-to-attend training workshops

Enhance your skills and knowledge, view the latest technology and equipment, to increase your farm productivity!

PRE-REGISTER FOR AGRITECH EXPO TO GET FREE ENTRY!

24 live crop trials PRESENTED BY

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KEY PARTNERS

Mowing and baling, machinery and equipment demo’s VIP large scale farmers programme

3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER AND SAVE K10: 1.

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Register online at www.agritech-expo.com SMS: “EXPO - full name - company/farm name” to 2626 Bring a visitor ticket with you to the expo entry

*If you do not pre-register online, via SMS or bring a completed visitor ticket, an entry fee of K10 will be payable at the expo gates.

WWW.AGRITECH-EXPO.COM

Letter from the Editor

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 28

Free

Tiger Feeds: Tips for sensible chicken farming

Cover

Neria’s supplies quality inputs

L

and reform is a hotly debated issue in Southern Africa. Even Zambia recently got onto the bandwagon with draft legislation in which significant land reform is proposed. This will change the ownership scene of land drastically.

In Zambia, the attitude towards commercial farmers is normally very positive and there is a good chance that government will extend the 99 year leash period to another 99 years if the time arises. But the new draft legislation contradicts this good relationship.

Broadly seen, the draft is negative towards foreigners and investors and one of the problematic points is that land lease will be reduced from 99 years to 25 years for non-Zambians.

Zambia’s commercial farming scene has recently changed for the good when South African and Zimbabwean farmers flocked to Zambia due to unfavourable conditions in their home countries. In Zambia, they soon contributed hugely to the state treasury as well as the national harvest, and placed Zambia on a more stable food security level.

Content

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But a farmer cannot plan ahead for only 25 years. A farm is a long term investment project and becomes more productive with time and continuous development. A farm is also supposed to support the new generation farmer who will use the latest technology to produce even better results.

The banks will also find it difficult to give loans to farmers, because a banker understands that farming is for the long run and they have to share the farmer’s long term vision. Let us hold thumbs that this kind politics will not cause drastic problems in our society.

This month we look at Royal Canin pet nutrition, distributed by Brandline.

Tiger Feeds tell us how to use all our senses to attain sensible chicken farming and Bonnox shows us how to create a sheep farm with their fencing. Seba Foods will soon be the proud owners of GSI’s grain handling equipment.

Farm smartly!

Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

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Royal Canin: Incredible in every way.

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Neria's Investments Limited: Supplying the nation with quality inputs

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Build a sheep farm with Bonnox

11

Advice from Tiger Feeds: Use all your senses to produce bright broilers

13

Winning with your cattle through winter

14

Sheep farming made easy: Part 5

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Spray to protect your crops: Part 5

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ETG Inputs Zambia Ltd: Look what Agritech Expo 2018 has to offer

27

Seba Foods acquire benchmark GSI storage technology

29

Make more from your crops: Processing of oil seeds: Part 5

31

Soil: The farmer’s most important asset: Part 24

ProAgri Zambia 28

Incredible in every detail

A pet is a farmer’s best friend and fulfil many duties on a farm. You owe him the best nutrition on the market.

Brandline is the proud distributors of the world renowned and trusted Royal Canin pet nutrition brand. They tell us more about the different products they have to offer on page 3.

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 © 2018. 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 General Manager and Distribution Zambia Quintus Grobler > +26-(0)96-216-9801 (WA only) South Africa + 27-078-978-6339 quintus@proagri.co.za Reporters Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Senior Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Stefan van Wyk > +27 82-381-7563 stefan@agritrader.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 79-531-0024 tiny@proagri.co.za Johnnie Krige > +27 82-385-6191 johnnie@proagri.co.za Design Christiaan Joubert > christiaan@proagri.co.za Enquiries Lize du Plooy > +27 12-803-0667 lize@proagri.co.za Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0667 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Keet > +27 12-803-0667 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

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ProAgri Zambia 28

Royal Canin... Incredible in every way.

by Du Preez de Villiers

A

dog is a farmer’s right hand and has a very important job on the farm. A farmer needs his dog as a companion during those lonely hours in the field or as a vital partner in his security system.

Some dogs are even regarded as skilled labourers in rounding up livestock. Dogs are also very effective in conservation and anti-poacher operations.

The least a farmer can do is to reward his pet with the best pet nutrition on the market. After all, your life may depend on your dog.

Royal Canin is a world renowned pet nutrition manufacturer and many farmers concur that t is the best-researched and scientific based pet nutrition available - to keep your dog in the best condition and healthy for as long as possible.

Royal Canin’s pet nutrition is also very popular in the conservation industry.

Rachel McRobb is the CEO of Conservation South Luangwa and she is very impressed with the Royal Canin brand.

“Because of the huge energy requirements of our sniffer dogs, we can only give them the best nutrition on the market. Royal Canin certainly meets this mark and our dogs are fit and healthy and able to conduct their work effectively. Susanna and the staff at Brandline are brilliant and continue to meet all our needs.”

Royal Canin is very scientific and not simply just a food. Each Royal Canin pet food formula consists of over 50 nutrients to provide in every nutritional need of the animal in question.

Four goals for healthy nutrition • Body development and maintenance: Amino acids, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids meet the basic nutrition requirements for healthy physical development and maintenance.

• Energy provision: Protein, carbohydrates and fat provide energy to cats and dogs.

• Prevention: The best antioxidants, prebiotics, fibre and essential fatty acids help address kidney issues, digestive problems, the effects of aging and other common health issues.

• Special care: Very specific nutrients can be reduced or added in certain formulations in order to help cats and dogs recover from particular health issues.

The products available in Zambia are: Feline Products: (FHN - Feline Health Nutrition) • FHN Kitten • FHN Fit (adult cats) • FHN Indoor 7+ (older cats) • FHN Exigent (for fussy cats who's preference is texture based) • VD Urinary S/O (a prescription diet required for cats who suffer from urinary stones or crystals (quite common in Zambia) Note that all VD diets (feline & canine)

ProAgri Zambia 28

can only be supplied through a registered veterinarian.

• FBH Persian Adult (The kibble is shaped specifically for these cats due to the brachycephalic (shortened head) shape of their jaws to make it easier for them to consume their food.)

• BHN Labrador (junior/adult) • BHN German Shepherd (junior/adult) Vets Choice This product is not as scientifically advanced as Royal Canin.

• Small or Medium Breed Puppy • Large Breed Puppy • Adult Maintenance • Golden Years (for dogs older than 7 years)

Treat you feline friend with Royal Canin pet nutrition Canine products: (SHN - Size Health Nutrition) Through scientific research, Royal Canin pioneered Size Health Nutrition as small sized dogs (for example Jack Russel) have different growth needs than giant dogs (for example Great Dane). They also mature at different stages of their lives. Their jaws are also vastly different, so the kibble changes size and shape depending on their adult size.

• SHN Mini (starter or junior or adult & mature) • SHN Medium (junior or adult) • SHN Maxi (starter or junior or adult) • SHN Giant (puppy or junior or adult) • VD Obesity (This product is designed to help overweight dogs lose weight by having a higher fibre content.)

Royal Canin is working closely with vetenarians to produce the best pet food available. Dr Beatrice from the Netherlands, Dr L Oparaocha from the Showgrounds Veterinary Clinic and Susanna Georgiou, Royal Canin distributor in Zambia, discuss the best nutritional diet for a dog with early diagnosis of renal failure.

The outlets in Zambia where the pet nutrition can be purchased (registered veterinarian/pet shop/speciality store): •

• A Royal Canin dog is a happy and effective dog BHN - Breed Health Nutrition Breed Health Nutrition is focused/tailored at these breeds’ specific needs. In the case of Labradors, they are commonly known for "hoovering" their food down, thus the kibble has been shaped like a donut forcing them to slow down their eating. The tooth enters the middle empty space of the donut, thus by the nature of chewing the kibble automatically breaks down, allowing them to chew their food rather than swallowing it whole.

In the case of German Shepherds, their digestive system is more sensitive, they tend to suffer from hip-dysplasia, and thus more probiotics, glucosamine and chondroitin are included in the formula.

•

• • •

Dr Sally Jellis Leopards Hill Veterinary Clinic, Lusaka +26(0)97-787-7043 Dr Tommy Asinga Loving Hands Animal Hospital, Lusaka +26(0)96-035-0460 Dr E Oparaocha Showgrounds Veterinary Clinic, Lusaka +26(0)21-125-3030 Dr Nolleen Parsons, Mazabuka Matobo Veterinary Centre + 26(0)97-786-4603 Pro-Angling & Pet Accessories +26(0)97-901-4739 Makeni Mall, Lusaka NWK Agri Services +26(0)21-127-4970 Kafue Road, Lusaka

Call BrandLine Distributors at +26(0)97-779-0525 or send them an e-mail at info.brandline@yahoo.com.

Visit their website at www.royalcanin.com.

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Neria's Investments Limited: Supplying the nation with quality inputs •

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armers in Zambia do not only need good quality seed and fertiliser to succeed; they also need good advice, trusted support and a reliable supplier of these commodities. Neria’s Investments Ltd is a wholly owned Zambian agro-commodity trading company.

They recognise the great potential for growth in the agricultural sector and have invested extensively to drive growth in the sector.

They provide consistent, effective and cost sensitive farming solutions for a better, healthy and well-nourished Southern Africa. Farming is their business and fertiliser is their solution.

Their core values (entrepreneurship, integrity, excellence, trust and efficiency) are pursued to create wealth through agriculture and to offer value to their customers.

The company started operations in 2012 and has grown steadily to cover all the main farming areas with operations in all 10 provinces in the country.

Neria’s has been at the forefront of the roll-out and implementation of FISP (Fertiliser Input Support Programme) in the country.

Services offered by Neria’s: •

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Procurement: Neria’s procure fertiliser and raw materials from their strategic partners with representation in China, UAE, India and South Africa. This ensures constant availability of stock.

Warehousing: They stock bulk commodities in their various warehousing depots throughout the country.

Trading: They are currently trading in various agriculture commodities such as: fertiliser, raw materials, seeds, maize, soya beans, groundnuts and sunflower.

Transportation: They have a wellcoordinated transport system using both road and rail.

Neria’s fertiliser products: Urea Urea is normally used as a nitrogen rich top-dressing fertiliser to boost growing plants. The nitrogen content of urea is 46% and it is supplied in 50 kg bags suitable for rough handling.

It promotes leaf growth through enhancing the proteins and chlorophyll content in the plants.

Neria’s Investments Ltd is the biggest supplier and distributor of urea in Zambia.

Compound D Since 2013 Neria’s has also been involved in the Government’s programme to supply smallscale farmers with fertiliser.

Neria’s supplies up to 80% of the annual requirements of Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) by providing aff ordable raw materials for the manufacturing of fertiliser.

NCZ is a parastatal company mandated to supply and distribute fertiliser to small-scale farmers throughout the country. The fertiliser is commonly known as Compound D. It is a basal fertiliser suitable for use on a wide range of crops, notably maize and soya beans. The chemical formula for Compound D is NPK 10:20:10+6,5%S.

NPK NPK stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These elements help plants grow in different ways from the roots to the stems and leaves.

Neria’s can assist farmers to choose the correct formulation of NPK for the soil type, the type of crop and the growing stages of the plants.

Other products Raw materials are also provided directly to farmers with specific needs, namely: • • •

Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) Muriate of Potash (MOP) Ammonium Sulphate (AMSUL)

Neria’s can also assist farmers with organic formulations to enhance the growth of micro-organisms and improve soil structure.

Contact Neria’s for your fertiliser needs in Zambia on +26(0)21124-4505, send them an e-mail to info@neriainvestments.com, or visit their website at www.neriainvestments.com.

You can also visit them at Sub A, Stand 6392, Saturnia House, Longacres in Lusaka, Zambia.

ProAgri Zambia 28

Neria’s Investments Limited Agro Commodity Traders

Quality Fertilizer Urea & D-Compound

NERIA INVESTMENTS LIMITED Saturnis House, Opp. Ndeke Hotel Longacre’s Tel: +260 211 244 505/6 Email: info@neriainvestments.com www.neriainvestments.com

ProAgri Zambia 28

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HINGEJOINT®

FLEXI FENCE RINGLOK®

PREVENT IMITATIONS AND BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE ONLY BONNOX-FACTORY LOCATED IN SUNDERLAND RIDGE, CENTURION ONLY A BONNOX INVOICE SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

zane@bonnox.co.za | gerda@bonnox.co.za | linda@bonnox.co.za 8

www.bonnox.co.za | +27 (0)12-666-8717

ProAgri Zambia 28

Ian Wyeth from Heilbron and his sheep enjoy the safety offered by Bonnox camps.

Build a sheep farm with Bonnox I

ntensive and meticulous planning preceded Ian Wyeth’s move from town to a farm to take up sheep husbandry. One of the solutions that accompanied him was Bonnox.

"For years, I have lived in the southern part of Pretoria and frequently passed the Bonnox factory," he said.

"Their name on the roof is visible from afar."

Bonnox had to assist him with the transformation of the cattle farm in the Free State province of South Africa to a sheep farm. Now, after almost 1,5 km of fencing, there is a comfortable camp and lambing pen system on the farm, and he and his family are also safer behind Bonnox fencing. Ian says he now has eight Bonnox camps. This system makes the management of his herd much easier. They have two lambing seasons for which the ewes were divided into groups. When the lambs are weaned, the male lambs are separated from the female lambs.

The new lambing pens with Ian's self-made Bonnox gates make sheep handling a pleasure.

The mature rams must also be separated from the ewes and, of course, a camp is needed for sick animals or the handling of animals. With Bonnox, it is also easy to make camps larger, or to temporarily divide camps into smaller enclosures. Ian also covered the gates bought from the co-operative with Bonnox, because the best fence is to no avail if the lambs or predators can pass in or out through the gate.

Ian even acquired his own pipe bender to make his own gates exactly to measure, and he then covers them with Bonnox. Bonnox’s close mesh keeps the predators out very effectively. The ground under the fence is well-levelled and the wire is strung taut just above the ground.

The farm has clay soil and Ian made sure he anchored the corner posts properly and deeply. Between the corner posts, the Y-poles are placed 10 metres apart. With the 100-m rolls, it is easy to plan the size of your camps so that no wire is wasted.

"The erection of the poles is the hardest part; after that it is easy," Ian says. After undergoing all the necessary training at the Bonnox factory, he and two of his workers initially worked together to erect the fencing. Now, the two workers can carry on by themselves.

Ian says: "Bonnox delivers excellent service. They showed me everything I needed to know, and provided all that was necessary to get started. The information on how to use the fencing is neatly outlined on a pamphlet and the wire clamp I bought from them makes the work child’s play."

Ian says he had to go back to buy more fencing recently and he could not remember the name of the specific product in the wide Bonnox range. The friendly staff promptly perused his previous invoice and also helped him to determine the quantity he needed.

ProAgri Zambia 28

"Another step closer to our Bonnox yard, and...", Jacob and Willemien warn.

In addition to the 1,2 m Money Saver fencing that he uses for the sheep pens, he also bought 1,8 m high Bonnox to fence in the house and yard for safety. The next step will be to electrify the fence, but until then he is counting on Jacob and Willemien, his two big German Shepherd dogs, to kick up a racket when undesired people come close to the fence.

Ian says he was pleasantly surprised by the farm's carrying capacity, and decided to get a few head of cattle.

The weaners are now also behind 1,2 m Bonnox, but the poles are higher and only a strand or two of barbed wire above the Bonnox fence prevents boisterous calves from jumping over the fence. The next step was lambing pens... with Bonnox fencing, of course!

Call 076-169-9068, 012-666-8717 or send an e-mail to linda@bonnox.co.za, gerda@bonnox.co.za or zane@bonnox.co.za. Also visit their website at www.bonnox.co.za.

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Advice from Tiger Feeds:

Use all your senses to produce bright broilers

by Given Hamanungu - Tiger Technical Advisor

Photo: amhtxy.com

T

he primary objective of broiler management is to achieve the required bird performance in terms of its live weight, feed conversion, uniformity and meat yield, within the existing economic constraints.

True broiler farming requires positive and constant human interaction with the broiler and its environment. The broiler farmer must be constantly ‘in tune’ with, and aware of the birds’ behaviour and their environment, which is known as stock sense.

For maximum performance to be attained, the bird’s behavioural characteristics and the conditions within the poultry house must be closely observed. Each condition must be assessed critically and improvements made whenever required.

Practical broiler management monitoring is very useful and can be enhanced if all five human senses are used as follows: Smell: Be aware of smells in the environment such as ammonia levels. Is the air stale or stuff y?

A chicken farmer has to employ all his senses inside his chicken house when he wants to be successful. Image: ercare24.com ProAgri Zambia 28

Feel: Air: How does the air feel on your face?

Is it stuffy (humid), cold, hot, windy or is there no noticeable air movement?

These factors, either in combination or separately, can indicate specific environmental conditions such as insufficient minimum ventilation.

Feed: You can also feel the physical quality of the feed. Are the crumbs very dusty and do the pellets break down very easily in the hand and in the feeder?

Litter: Pick up and feel the condition of the litter. If the litter stays together after compressing, (does not spring apart) it indicates excessive moisture and this may suggest inadequate ventilation.

Birds: Handle the birds to assess crop fill and check the birds’ general condition.

Temperature: Take notice of air movement on your skin. Is there a draft? What does the temperature of the house feel like?

right height? Is there feed in the feeders and water in the drinkers and are the drinkers leaking? What is feed quality like?

Hearing: The birds: Are the birds snickering/ sneezing or making respiratory noises?

What are their vocalisations like?

Often this observation is best done in the evening when ventilation noise is reduced.

A profitable chicken farm is one where a close eye is kept on the birds. Just by using your senses, you can easily recognise the problem or challenging areas in your chicken shed.

Taste: A true chicken farmer can taste the water and feed quality.

Sight: Distribution: Look at the bird distribution over the floor area. Are specific areas being avoided suggesting an environmental issue (draft, cold, light)?

Bird respiration: Are the birds panting?

Is the panting specific to one area of the house, suggesting an airflow or temperature problem?

Behaviour: How do the birds behave in terms of feeding, drinking, and resting?

Normally, broilers will be evenly split up between these behaviours.

Litter condition: Are birds avoiding certain areas due to wetness caused by leaking drinkers or excess water from cooling cells? Is cold air entering the house and falling to the floor?

Feeders and drinkers: Are they the

In a normal chicken distribution over the floor, a third of the birds should be eating, a third should be drinking and a third should be resting. Photo: teamagre.com

For exquisite and professional advice and service in the chicken industry, contact Rowena Blanco at +260 96 7991 847 or +260 96 7790 404 or e-mail rowena@tigerfeeds.com.zm. You can also visit their user friendly website at www.tigerfeeds.com 11

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ProAgri Zambia 28

ZS 019

protein and energy as well as all essential minerals & vitamins.

season. It stimulates rumen microbial action by supplying mainly

minimising weight loss of grazing cattle throughout the dry

Winter 100 is a dry season concentrate aimed at

CONCENTRATE

WINTER 100

A member of the Zambeef Group of Companies

Cattle feeding on maize stover during winter require additional nutrients for maximum performance.

Winning with your cattle through winter

by MarnĂŠ Meyer

W

inter can be the most challenging time for the farmer, his cattle and his land. Not only is this the most challenging time, but it is also the most expensive due to the need for supplementary feeding.

It is common practice to allow the cattle to graze maize stover which can be defined as the residues of the maize plant after harvest, such as stalks, leaves, husks and cobs. Maize stover will benefit the cattle, but only to a certain extent as the nutritional value is limited. Maize stover is generally low in protein and high in indigestible fibre, and thus an additional source of nutrition is required to ensure maximum performance from your cattle herd.

The cows are usually pregnant during the winter and if you want them to produce healthy, strong calves, they need to maintain a good body condition.

The animals face numerous challenges during this time, and to sustain long term production, supplementing your animals is crucial. The aim would be to ensure that the cattle are in a good condition before winter commences.

Novatek Winter 100 will help you to reach the right condition score for cattle

during the overwintering period. Normally, you look at the amount of fat and muscle on the animal and score them on a scale from one to five. The best score is above three, because lower condition levels will reduce fertility and increase the susceptibility of the animals to parasites.

So, what should you supplement your cattle to help them thrive through the winter months? A good supplementary feed, such as the Novatek Winter 100, supplies energy and readily available protein sources to the rumen to help the microorganisms in the rumen to break down the low-quality winter feed. The rumen is the first stomach of the ruminant where fermentation occurs. It is this compartment of the digestive system that is unique to ruminant animals such as cattle and sheep that makes it possible for them to utilise grass efficiently. The microorganisms require protein to make this possible and that is what our Novatek Winter 100 will provide.

The readily available protein comes in the form of urea which is classified as a Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN). NPN is highly efficient to supply nitrogen to the

Are you satisfied with the condition of your animals during winter times?

Novatek’s Winter 100 supplies all the extra nutrients for your gestating cows and other animals during winter times. microorganisms in the rumen, but the animals should be allowed to adapt to a diet containing NPN to prevent urea poisoning. There should also be adequate feeding space to prevent overeating.

When you are able to match the animal requirements to the supplements available during the winter times, it will help you to keep all feed costs manageable.

Production will then be optimal during the next calving season and higher profits can be expected. Each producer must develop his own feeding system that best suits his situation.

Novatek appointed two new animal nutritionists to strengthen the team and provide on-farm formulations for all cattle breeds.

Please feel free to contact Wiehan Visagie at wiehanv@novatek.co.zm or MarnĂŠ Meyer at nutritionist@ novatek.co.zm for all information on feeding and feeds.

ProAgri Zambia 28

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Sheep farming made easy Part 5: Ventilation

Hundreds of living bodies in a closed space can cause discomfort. It will become very warm, humid and difficult to breathe and sometimes cause an oversupply of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is toxic. It is therefore very important to properly ventilate sheep housing facilities. This month we shall look at artificial and natural ventilation and ventilation requirements. Photo: stonefoldsfarmcottages.co.uk

We thank the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa who made their manual on sheep production and facilities available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.

aim of ventilation is to create a dry, draft-free building rather than influencing the internal temperature.

Temperature in the building must never be manipulated by closing some or all ventilation openings. Such a situation will lead to enormous moisture build-up and eventual condensation against the roof and walls. This condensation not only reduces the isolation capability of the building material, but is a quick recipe for causing pneumonia in sheep.

Ventilation requirements are a function of, among others, the external temperature, construction material, and the group sizes housed in the building. It is therefore expected that some measure of ventilation control should be built in.

Ventilation can be provided in two ways, namely natural ventilation and artificial ventilation.

Natural ventilation Natural ventilation is supplied by placing

Keep an eye on the condensation on your walls inside the sheep shed. Photo: pryhousefarm. blogspot.com Sheep inside a building need ample ventilation to prevent suffocation.

Photo: blog.livestocknw.co.uk Ventilation requirements

A

ny building will exercise an influence on the relative moisture content, quality of the air, the temperature, as well as the amount and quality of light in the building compared to conditions outside.

The purpose of ventilation is mainly to create a healthy environment by replacing stale air with fresh air and at the same time removing moisture, dust, heat, odours and harmful gases.

Since sheep are adapted to handle reasonable temperature variations, the 14

ProAgri Zambia 28

inlet and outlet openings in the wall and roof. These can be permanent or adjustable vents such as hinged or movable panels. A building with natural ventilation will usually be only a few degrees warmer than the outside during winter and a few degrees cooler during summer. Figure 1 shows a typical situation of natural ventilation in summer and winter conditions.

systems can be connected to the fans to ensure correct air movement for different external temperatures and occupations or group sizes.

Two types of artificial ventilation systems can be distinguished: • Positive pressure systems: Air is forced into the building by fans, and leaves the building

Prevailing wind direction ventilation vent open

Permanent ventilation vent vent closed

•

• •

kg live weight of the animals. An additional 80 ℓ/s per 1 000 kg must be introduced in steps as the temperature rises.

Inlet openings of at least 275 mm² per ℓ/s airflow or fan capacity must be provided. Alternatively air vents must have a minimum surface of 0,1 m² per 300 ℓ/s fan capacity.

With positive pressure systems, the air vents can be calculated as 1 360 mm² per 10 ℓ/s.

Although lambs can withstand low temperatures when they are dry, heating can be provided for new-born lambs by means of a 250 W infrared lamp. Good protection against shocks and burning is necessary.

Figure 1: Natural ventilation for summer and winter conditions.

If the building is open on one side, the open side must be placed away from the prevailing winter wind direction as shown in the figure above. Ventilation requirements will vary according to the dimensions of the building, and will also depend on the position of internal obstructions inside the building.

The following directives are applicable to natural ventilation conditions and specific values are based on a building width of 18 m and a minimum height of 3 m.

•

•

•

•

• •

Vents can be permanent or adjustable and can include windows, wall openings or panels, ridge openings, roof edge openings, et cetera.

Permanent wall openings must not be placed lower than 1,5 m from the floor surface. This will prevent a direct draught on the animals during winter.

Inlet openings can be adjustable panels or doors on the one side, with a permanent continuous opening of 100 to 150 mm in the opposite wall.

Alternatively, a minimum of 0,035 m² per ewe space should be provided. Assume that the building is designed with an occupation of 2 m² per ewe, then at least 0,07m² ventilation opening per ewe must be provided.

The ridge opening should be about 450 mm to ensure a good inlet at all the openings.

The ridge opening must be in total about 50% of the total inlet openings provided.

Artificial ventilation In areas where it is necessary to heat a building artificially, artificial ventilation is provided. Thermostatic control ProAgri Zambia 28

through outlet openings provided.

The disadvantage of pressure systems is that moist air is forced into the shed. This moist air can condense and moisten insulation material with a resulting decrease in the insulation capacity of the material.

•

Negative pressure systems: With these systems, air is extracted from the building by extractor fans. Fresh air enters the building through permanent or adjustable inlets.

An air vent with a fan will be very effective in blowing fresh air into the sheep shed. Photo: fwi.co.uk Next month we shall look at one of the most important aspects of sheep handling which is often overlooked: The production and handling of sheep waste and the value it contains.

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering for the use of their Sheep Facilities Manual.

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

NoseRing

Fortunately, in Zambia we need not artificially heat our sheep sheds, but it is necessary in the Northern Hemisphere with their colder winters.

Photo: ironwoodfarm.wordpress.com

Directives for artificial ventilation systems for an occupation of 2m² per ewe: • The insulating value (U-value) of building materials should be 1,4 and 0,7 W/m² for the walls and ceiling respectively.

• Provide an airflow of at least 2,5 ℓ/s per ewe to prevent moisture build-up. Fans can be chosen to provide a basis of 25 ℓ/s per 1 000

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

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

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

15

Because Your Business Never Stops Harvest is a time when all your hard work, hopes and ambitions come together. It’s also a time when you need the reassurance of reliable electric power.

FG Wilson offer a complete range of robust and reliable self-contained diesel generator sets from 6.8 – 2,500 kVA which are easy to specify and operate.

We can help you choose a generator set which will give you years of service, see that it’s installed and ensure you have all the service and support you need.

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ProAgri Zambia 28

ProAgri Zambia 28

www.fgwilsonafrica.com

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ProAgri Zambia 28

Spray to protect your crops Part 5: Taking the knapsack sprayer apart

Compiled by J Fuls (Pr Eng)

I

t is always beneficial for a farmer to fully understand how all the tools and devices used on the farm work. First, better understanding means better operation and second, in the event of a breakdown the farmer often has to improvise to fix his equipment, especially when no spare parts are available.

This month we shall take the knapsack sprayer apart to look in detail at the inner workings. We thank the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa, who made this article available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.

Proceed as follows: 1. Pull out the pin that keeps the rod in place onto the pump and remove the rod.

Knapsack sprayers do not all look the same inside, but we shall look at the one already discussed:

2. Unscrew the hose connector and pull out the plastic tube from the pump.

Much the same procedures can be followed with other sprayers.

3. Unscrew the lid and remove the filling screen.

First get hold of the manual (owner’s handbook) of your sprayer and study it carefully.

The manual will have more detail than this article. Always keep the manual ready when working on your sprayer.

Always work on a clean surface like a newspaper or a clean table or floor.

The parts must be kept clean. Some parts are small and may easily be misplaced, so keep them together in a container. Arrange the parts in the order they are removed from the sprayer, to prevent confusion on re-assembly.

4. Put your hand into the spray tank and remove the stirring spoon from the pump

ProAgri Zambia 28

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5. Unscrew the pump nut and pull out the pump cylinder

After cleaning the parts properly with soap and water, and replacing damaged parts, the knapsack sprayer can be assembled again.

Putting the knapsack sprayer together Assembling the sprayer is the opposite of taking it apart. Also consult the manual to make sure it is done correctly.

6. Put one hand inside the tank to hold the push rod. Use a special spanner and unscrew the nut at the bottom to remove the push rod.

Apply some grease around the pump cylinder Next month we shall look at how to use the knapsack sprayer in the correct manner. Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals.

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

Faults and repairs

ProAgri Zambia 28

21

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ProAgri Zambia ProAgri Zambia 28 23

ETG Inputs Zambia Ltd:

Look what Agritech Expo 2018 has to offer

by ETG staff writer

E

TG Inputs Zambia Ltd is renowned for their huge contribution to Zambian agriculture and they will show great presence at the Agritech 2018 expo. They are part of the ETG Inputs Holding Co Ltd with its headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In Zambia, the fertiliser and agricultural inputs representative of ETG is operating as ETG Inputs Zambia Ltd, a company registered in Zambia and located on Plot 8087, Chinika, off Mumbwa Road, Lusaka, Zambia. This entity includes Zambian Fertilisers Ltd as a subsidiary of ETG Inputs Zambia Ltd as well as Farmarama, and is managed by the same Zambian senior management team in Lusaka.

As one of the leading suppliers and distributors of agricultural input commodities across the country, ETG Inputs Zambia Limited is constantly proving its efficiency and effectiveness to customers. That is the reason why this fertiliser and agrochemical supplier is growing in its business activities by the day.

Fertiliser brands supplied by ETG: Under the FALCON brand ETG supplies nitrogen fertiliser, urea (prilled or granular), calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, phosphate fertiliser, di-ammonium phosphate, single super phosphate, triple super phosphate, mono ammonium phosphate, potash fertiliser, muriate of potash and sulphate of potash.

Under the KYNOCH brand ETG supplies specialised crop growth fertiliser products: Soya Oemff, Veggie Oemffs, Wheat Oemff, Mielie Oemff, Kyno Pop, Kyno plus Urea, Sugar Oemff, Pasture Oemff and CAN.

Under the Zambian fertiliser brands, they supply blended fertilisers which are crop specific, soil specific, lime enriched and organic matter enriched, and they produce these at their plant in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone.

ProAgri Zambia 28

ETG Agrochemicals supplies herbicides, insecticides (synthetics and botanical), fungicides, Grain Protector/Fumigant and animal dip.

For the Agritech 2018 Expo, both commercial and small-scale farmers will have an opportunity to learn more about ETG’s products and services.

Commercial farmers will be offered the full range of KYNOCH products, and contract arrangements with Export Trading Company and their warehouse receipt system will be forwarded.

Small-scale farmers will be treated on a series of training sessions on their products and crops in ETG’s demonstration plots. This year the demonstration plots will feature maize, soya beans, rape (kohlrabi), Chinese cabbage, lettuce, tomato and Irish potatoes.

Valuable training session

• • • • • • • •

How to use vegetable mixes such as Veg A, Veg Mix B, Veg top 24 and 32.

Timing of application and advantages of vegetable mixes How to use chemicals effectively The best time to apply chemicals How to use herbicides How to do soil sampling Advantages of using water soluble fertilisers Safety during handling of chemicals

These and many more topics will be discussed in detail to small-scale farmers for the best crop yields and healthy plants.

The names of the expert sales agronomists from ETG Inputs Zambia Ltd Chinika who will train farmers and their contact details are: Siankoni Zulu – 097-747-7536 Peter Malisawa -096-428-9523 Addson Ngoma -096-769-3417

ETG will continue promoting their products and services, maintaining mutual understanding with farmers as their customers as well as gaining more potential customers. Therefore, ETG Inputs Zambia Ltd will again hold a fully-blown training workshop for small-scale farmers during this year’s Agritech Expo in Chisamba from 12 to 13 April, 2018.

This is definitely a must show up event for smallscale farmers. The farmers will learn a lot more about farming activities during the two days and this will have a significant impact in their farming operations.

Some of the topics that will be presented by expert sales agronomists include; • What are the vegetable fertiliser mixes?

23

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VISIT GSIAFRICA.CO.ZA STORAGE + CONDITIONING + MATERIAL HANDLING + STRUCTURES

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Improve efficiency, increase capacity, boost profits:

Seba Foods acquire benchmark GSI storage technology

by Du Preez de Villiers

T

here are numerous benefits to the ability to store one’s own grain. A farmer can exert and experience a crucial sense of control when he can store his own grain. He can manage the treatment and storage of his grain in a way that best suits his requirements and purposes. His trucks does not have to queue for hours at the silos during critical harvest times and he can hold back his grain when prices are weak to market it later when the prices improve.

Likewise, food processing companies rely heavily on own storage facilities. A shortage of raw materials means downtime, therefore reserve storage capacity is vital for uninterrupted production.

Seba Foods is well known in Zambia.

They process maize and soya beans into products for animal and human consumption. Their five popular major brands are Golden Goodness (soya pieces), Instant Thobwa, High Energy Protein Supplement, Emilios Corn Puff s and Emilios Snax.

“We shall soon celebrate our 21st anniversary,” says Gaurav Vijayvargiya, Strategic Director of Seba Foods. “To keep up with evolution in technology in the manufacturing industry, Seba Foods’ objective is to build a state of the art manufacturing facility to improve efficiency in our supply chain and processing of our nutritious foods.

An important part of this development is a drastic increase in our storage capacity to 16 000 tonnes”.

After carefully considering all possible options and taking all the available storage facility suppliers into consideration, Seba Foods opted for GSI, the huge grain handling company with a strong international footprint, and most important – the largest presence in Zambia. GSI has already built many silos in the country and has years of first-hand experience of the challenges in Zambia.

“GSI offered the most cost-effective solution and compared very favourably to the other bidders,” Gaurav says.

This GSI silos at the Seba Foods factory promise to improve the food processor’s efficiency and increase profits.

On top of that, GSI could offer Seba Foods huge benefits: 1. Costly and labour intensive bag handling will be eliminated 2. A lot of warehouse space will be freed for other purposes 3. The hygiene and quality of the grain will be increased due to an easy fumigation system 4. Much more time will be saved during offloading and processing 5. Process monitoring will be much easier 6. One or two skilled operators can manage the whole GSI plant to save on the cost of labour.

7. An automated system will ensure accurate volume measurement and

8.

control The overall efficiency of the plant will be increased, which will be a dream come true for the managers.

GSI is putting up four 4 000 tonne silos, a tower, an elevator, a complete PLC (programmable logic controller) to control the electric and electronic systems, a pre cleaner, and heavy duty commercial handling equipment.

GSI is part of Agco which is one of the biggest agricultural companies in the world, and as Agco has established and built the first and only Agco Future Farm in Africa in Zambia, GSI enjoys strong backing from the Agco facility.

“The Sales Manager from GSI, Lanus Meyer, is also very supportive and it is great working with him. The continuous meetings we have with him are very informative and valuable”, Gaurav says.

“Experts from the GSI team regularly come to our site to physically inspect, assess and assist the builders with technical aspects. Another benefit is that South Africa, where they are based, is not far away and spare parts can promptly be shipped to our site.

This is much better than the services their competitors can offer,” Gaurav says.

GSI will complete and commission the project in June, and part of the deal is the presentation of a thorough training course in the operation of the silos.

Mr. R R Vijayvargiya, Managing Director from Seba Foods (right), is more than satisfied with the support Lanus Meyer, Sales Manager from GSI, is offering him.

The most advanced methods are employed to build GSI’s silos. The roof and the first horizontal section (ring) are built first and then hoisted up to slot into the next ring.

ProAgri Zambia 28

Please contact the GSI team at +27-(0)11-794-4455 if you have any grain handling needs or questions, or send an e-mail to sales@gsiafrica.co.za. Also visit GSI’s user friendly website at www.gsiafrica.co.za.

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ProAgri Zambia 28

Make more from your crops

Photo: jonbarron.org

Processing of oil seeds - Part 5

By Theresa Siebert, Petrus Britz, Pr Eng and Agrelek

T

he protein extracted from soy beans is a very high quality protein and contributes significantly to muscle growth. It also increases the nutritional value of certain foods because it contains a complete amino acid profile.

Moreover, it also reduces the changes of heart disease and the risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis. This month we take a closer look at the process of extracting this product.

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

Product description - Protein concentrate Defatted soy meal consists of 30 to 35% carbohydrates. By removing the soluble carbohydrate fraction along with some flavour components, the protein concentration of the soy meal is increased.

Process description - Protein Concentrate

Three different methods can be used to concentrate soy meal: 1. Acid leaching method (pH 4,5) 2. Aqueous ethanol method (60 to 80 %) 3. Moist heat – water leaching method

Soy beans

All three methods cause the proteins to become insoluble, while some of the carbohydrates are solubilised in the medium used for separation. The solid and liquid fractions are then separated by decanting and/or centrifugation. The remaining solids (concentrate) are dispersed in water and neutralised to pH 7 if necessary. The concentrate is finally dried to produce a powder known as soy protein concentrate. The protein content and functional properties of the concentrate differ according to the method used.

Method 1: Acid leaching process Defatted soy flakes are mixed with acidified water at isoelectric pH 4,5 to remove soluble carbohydrates. The ration of flakes to water is from 10 to 20:1. Extraction is achieved at 40° C for between 30 to 40 minutes during which time the carbohydrate leaches out into the water.

Thereafter, the insoluble residue (mainly protein) is removed using a decanter and/or centrifuge. The protein residue is neutralised to pH 7 and spray dried to produce a protein concentrate with high nitrogen solubility and low microbial count.

Method 2: Aqueous alcohol extraction This method extracts alcohol soluble carbohydrates from defatted soy grits using a countercurrent stream of aqueous alcohol in a plateless column.

The flakes containing insoluble carbohydrates are continuously removed at the end of the extraction column.

See report on soy bean oil in ProAgri Zambia issue 26, page 26, for preliminary information on the production of defatted soy flakes.

ProAgri Zambia 28

This method requires the desolventising of the flakes prior to drying.

The alcohol is also recovered from the solvent-carbohydrate mixtures for re-use.

This method produces a bland soy protein concentrate with low nitrogen solubility.

Method 3: Moist heat and water leach method Moist heat is applied to defatted soy flakes to denature the proteins and cause them to precipitate in water.

The soluble carbohydrates and salts leach out in the water and are separated from the precipitate by decanting and centrifugation. The protein rich precipitate is dried to produce a soy protein concentrate with low nitrogen solubility.

Full-fat soy flour is prepared by grinding dehulled soy beans. The soy beans may be given a steam treatment prior to grinding to produce toasted full fat soy flour. Steaming inactivates the lipoxygenase that is largely responsible for beany off-flavours. Alternatively, enzyme-active full-fat soy flour can be produced by omitting the steam treatment. The enzymes of this type of soy flour are used to bleach wheat flour and act as dough conditioners.

Toasted full-fat soy flour is used in a wide range of baked products and baby formulas. It can also be further processed to produce meat analogues through a thermoplastic extrusion process. Meat analogues or substitutes are soy products with a meat-like texture.

They are prepared by mixing soy flour, water and additives to form dough.

The dough is then extruded under high pressure to obtain a fibrous texture.

LITERATURE SOURCES 1. Lui, KeShun. 1999. Soy beans: chemistry, technology and utilisation. Gaithersburg: Aspen Publishers, Inc. Next month we shall look at an oil seed product which is more familiar to us, namely soy sauce.

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc. agric.za for more information.

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ProAgri Zambia 28

SOIL: The farmer’s most important asset

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

PART 24: Soil classification (i) Martiens du Plessis, Soil Scientist, NWK Limited & Prof Cornie van Huyssteen, Lecturer: Soil Science, University of the Free State In the previous two articles in this series, the soil formation factors and processes were discussed. With these factors and processes in action, it gives rise to a variety of chemical, physical and morphological characteristics. These characteristics are used as the basis to classify soils into related groups.

W

hen a specific body of soil is classified, the characteristics thereof may be easily communicated.

Also, the properties thereof may be interpreted, after which the suitability of this body of soil may be evaluated for a specific soil usage.

Classification of South African soils The two best known soil classification systems in the world are the World Reference Base (WRB) and the USDA Soil Taxonomy (a system developed in the USA). These two systems may be used to classify soils throughout the world.

As these systems do not make provision for the full variety of South African soils, Soil Classification: A Binomial System for South Africa was published in 1977. It was followed in 1991 by Soil Classification: A Taxonomic System for South Africa, and is currently used exclusively in South Africa to classify soils. Work is currently underway on a third issue.

According to Soil Classification: A Taxonomic System for South Africa, five topsoil horizons and 25 subsoil horizons are recognised as diagnostic (may be used to classify the master horizons in a soil profile). Combinations of the horizons give rise to the recognition of 74 soil types. A few of the most common soil types and their allied soils, which are used for grain production in South Africa, are discussed in this article.

In order to classify a soil, the master horizons must first be marked out, after which these master horizons are classified into diagnostic horizons. The sequence of diagnostic horizons determines the soil type. Lastly, the soil family is determined.

Topsoil horizons Only five diagnostic topsoil horizons are acknowledged. These are the organic O, humic A, vertic A, melanic A and orthic A horizontals.

ProAgri Zambia 28

The organic A is a topsoil horizon which is enriched with organic material (>10% C) and is therefore usually a noticeably darker colour than the underlying horizon. A humic A horizon has undergone humification and eluviation (loss of clay and sesquioxides). Vertic A horizons (typical turf clay) are formed through inversion as a result of large quantity of 2:1 clays (>30%).

Melanic A horizons are defined according to their dark colour and strong structure. The orthic A horizon is defined as one which is not classified as one of the other four topsoil horizons.

Soil types with an orthic A horizon are by far (>95%) the most common soils in South Africa which are used for grain production.

The thickness of topsoil horizons most often varies between 15 cm in the drier parts of South Africa and 40 cm in the wetter climatic areas. Thinner and thicker examples are, however, common.

Subsoil horizons The 25 diagnostic subsoil horizons naturally occur below a topsoil horizon.

They are classified as B, C, E, G, or R master horizons.

In the majority of cases, one or more forms of accumulation or enrichment are the dominant processes, with the redistribution of iron, in particular, an important example of a secondary process. The processes are pertinently driven by a single factor or combinations of the soil formation factors.

The subsoil horizontals will be discussed further in future articles.

Soil types If a soil profile is seen from top bottom, characteristic horizons may be identified. The specific sequence of the horizons is not coincidental, their existence is particularly driven by the soil formation factors and processes.

In some of the soil types, a topsoil horizon and only one subsoil horizon

are acknowledged, as in the case of the Hutton format which only consists of an orthic A horizon and a red apedal B horizon. In many cases, a specific combination of two subsoil horizons are acknowledged. An example of this is the Avalon format which comprises an orthic A topsoil horizon, above a yellow-brown apedal B horizon and over a soft plintic B horizon. The overwhelming majority of the bodies of soil that occur in South Africa, can easily be accommodated within the 74 soil types of the South African soil classification system.

Soil groups Differing soil types often have a certain soil formation process in common and, according to this, they may be grouped together into larger groups. Examples are the lime rich soils, the podzolic soils, plintic soils, new soils and stony soils. Such a soil group informs the user about a number of common characteristics and properties which, with experience, may be interpreted effectively and be evaluated for land use.

In the recent issue of Soils of South Africa, the current 74 soil types are grouped together in related soil groups according to the soil formation processes (Table 1). These groups help the inexperienced user to interpret the properties and the active soil formation processes and the effect they will have on soil usage.

Groups 1 to 4 are based on the top soils. Groups 5 to 11 all have an orthic topsoil and are characterised by the enrichment of the subsoil. Groups 12 to 14 comprise those soils that developed in new sediments with poor horizon differentiation.

Discussion of soil groups Hereunder, the applicable properties and soil formation processes of each soil group are discussed. In this article, groups 1 to 4, where the processes are dominant in the topsoil, are discussed.

In the next article, the rest of the groups, where the dominant processes take place in the subsoil, will be discussed.

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ProAgri Zambia 28

•

•

The champagne type has an organic O as topsoil horizon and organic material accumulates in this horizon due to conditions which inhibit microbes from breaking it down.

Soil group 1: Organic soils • The dominant process is the accumulation of organic material due to water saturation, low temperature, extreme acidity and other factors that inhibit microbe activity, as well as the breaking down of organic material. The addition of large quantities of organic material via adapted plants is important under these conditions.

• Organic soils are hydromorphic and therefore occur in the lowest parts of the landscape. The distribution is mainly in the cooler and wetter high-lying eastern portion of South Africa. They are high in organic material, but are mostly poorly broken down and poorly humidified with a high C:N ratio.

• Due to their occurrence in the wettest parts of the landscape, they are not usually used for grain production on a commercial basis.

They should also not be used for that purpose and commercial usage is banned by legislation.

Soil group 2: Humic soils • The dominant process is the accumulation of organic material in old landscapes in the cool, high rainfall areas of South Africa. Good drainage, accumulation of iron and aluminium oxides and low pH conditions, which inhibit microbe activity, are essential for the formation of humic soils.

• The conditions under which humic soils form, give rise to highly weathered soils with a low CEC and base status. The high organic material content gives rise to a low gross density and lower liability to compaction.

• In general, this soil is highly productive when used for crop production. Due to the leaching and acidity, large quantities of lime or

gypsum are necessary to prepare the soil for crop production.

The soil’s aggregates are stable and less susceptible to erosion.

Mineralisation of the organic material provides large quantities of nitrogen for plant growth, but also degrades the soil in the long term.

Soil group 3: Vertic soils • The dominant property is a strong swelling and shrinkage property during wetting and drying. This gives rise to the process during which topsoil is constantly falling from above into the cracks and down into the subsoil after which the cracks close with wetting.

Cracks form again with drying out

The Magwa type has a humus A horizon with a yellow-brown apedal B horizon directly below. The dark colour of the humic A horizon is the result of accumulation of humus.

ProAgri Zambia 28

and so the process continues. The effect of this is that the soil itself is constantly turning itself over (inversion) to form a thick A horizon.

Vertic soils have a high clay content (typically >50%) and 2:1 clay minerals of the smectite group dominate the clay fraction, which allows the soil to form broad cracks when it dries out. The soil is very sticky when wet. It has a very strongly developed structure with friction surfaces which are indicative of high physical activity. The CEC is high and its base status is usually 100%. When it is dry and cracked, the water infiltration rate is very high, but as soon as it has closed through swelling, the hydraulic flow is very low, leading to a very low final infiltration rate.

Vertic soils have a high nutritional value and the potential to be highly productive, but the hydraulic properties are unfavourable. Under irrigation high crop returns may be achieved, provided the water retention problems can be managed. The physical properties of vertic soils (sticky when wet, hard when dry) make it very difficult to till it mechanically. The soil’s physical movement holds great danger for foundations and this must be kept in mind when foundations are designed.

Soil group 4: Melanic soils • Characteristic of melanic top soils is their well-developed structure, due to it having a combination of a high clay percentage and a reasonable amount of organic material and humus. It has a high base status (therefore not leached) and has dark colours, even under dry conditions, due to organic material and humus. Melanic soils frequently occur in the low-lying parts of

The vertic A horizon of the Rensburg type has a high clay content and a strong structure with prominent cracks into which topsoil continuously falls.

33

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the landscape, but can also occur in any other place. Basic igneous rocks are strongly associated with melanic soils and provide the cations for the higher base status, as well as the clay-forming minerals which form both kaolinite and smectite clays.

The well-developed structure and high base status are favourable properties for plant production and, as a result, this soil has the potential to be highly productive, depending on where it occurs in the landscape, as well as the under-lying horizons.

Those in well-drained positons in the landscape may be used successfully for grain production.

The soil is less sticky, does not swell as much and has a good water infiltration rate and good

Soil group

water retention rate. They are therefore reasonably suitable for tillage.

Summary The primary objective of soil classification is to identify soils that have similar properties and which will react similarly under specific usage. This classification contributes greatly to communication because a variety of chemical, physical and morphological properties are brought together in the name of the soil.

This again eases decisions on the appropriate soil usage. It also forms the basis of soil mapping during which the occurrence and distribution of soil bodies with similar properties, may be identified and indicated geographically on a chart.

Concept

Determining master horizons

A melanic topsoil has dark colours, even under dry conditions and has a fairly strong structure.

Soil types

Organic

Wetland peat

Organic O

Champagne

Humic

Humus enriched; Free draining; Low base status

Humic A

Kranskop, Magwa, Inanda, Lusiki, Sweetwater, Nomanci

Vertic

Expansive, Cracked clay

Vertic A

Rensburg, Arcadia

Melanic

Black clay; High base status

Melanic A

Willowbrook, Bonheim, Steendal, Immerpan, Mayo, Milkwood, Inhoek

Silica enriched

Silica enriched areas; Arid areas

Dorbank

Garies, Oudtshoorn, Traval, Knersvlakte

Calsium enriched

Carbonate or gypsum enriched; Arid areas

Soft or Hardbank; Carbonate or Gypseous

Molopo, Askham, Kimberley, Plooysburg, Etosha, Gamoep, Addo, Prieska, Brandvlei, Coega

Duplex

Marked enrichment in clay

Pedocutanic B; Prismacutanic B

Estcourt, Klapmuts, Sterkspruit, Sepane, Valsrivier, Swartland

Podzol

Enriched by metal humates

Podzol B

Tsitsikamma, Lamotte, Concordia, Houwhoek, Jonkersberg, Witfontein, Pinegrove, Groenkop

Plintic

Iron enriched; flecks and/or hardening

Soft plintic B; Hard plintic B

Longlands, Westleigh, Avalon, Lichtenburg, Bainsvlei, Wasbank, Glencoe, Dresden

Oxidic

Iron enriched; Uniform colour

Red apedal B; Yellow-brown apedal B; Red structured B

Pinegrove, Griffin, Clovelly, Bloemdal, Hutton, Shortlands, Constantia

Gleyed

Reducing wet conditions

G horizon

Kroonstad, Katspruit

New soils

New soil in unconsolidated sediments

Neocutanic or Neocarbonate B; Regic sands; Deep E-horizons; Stratified alluvium

Tukulu, Oakleaf, Montagu, Augrabies, Namib, Vilafontes, Kinkelbos, Fernwood, Dundee

Stony

New soil on weathered rock

Lithocutanic B or Hard rock

Glenrosa, Mispah, Cartref

Anthropogenetic

Man-made soil layer

Disturbed material

Witbank

Table 1: Grouping of soil types based upon diagnostic horizons and materials (Fey, 2010) REFERENCES Fey, M. 2010. Soils of South Africa.

Cambridge University Press, Cape Town, South Africa.

Van Huyssteen, CW. 2009. Unpublished class notes for GKD214, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Soil Classification Working Group.

1991. Soil Classification – A taxonomic system for South Africa, Department of Agricultural Development, Pretoria.

In the next issue, the soil groups with an orthic A topsoil, but a variety of subsoils, will be discussed.

ProAgri Zambia 28

For further information, please contact the authors on: Martiens du Plessis: 072 285 5414 / martiens@nwk.co.za Prof Cornie van Huyssteen: 051 401 9247 / vhuystc@ufs.ac.za

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