In this edition of Gather To Grow, we explore why you should be cover cropping with experts. They include agronomist Wafiq Essop, soil scientist, farm optimiser, and product developer; Netafim agronomist Jovan Erasmus; agri-horticulturist Yolokazi Mtshazi, and agronomist Onele Mduzulwana.
Cover crops are plants that are grown to protect the soil as opposed to for harvesting. Cover crops regulate soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity, and wildlife in an agroecosystem.
Soil analysis is vital
According to Mduzulwana, this process increases the availability of water, or the water capacity of farmers. Before planting, Mduzulwana suggests having your soil evaluated in a laboratory or by a soil specialist. She says that it saves farmers a substantial amount of money on agricultural soil-related equipment.
“You can’t really say that I know that I’m going to plant this cover crop. What determines what you cover crop with, is what you want to plant.”
Some good-to-know basics
When it comes to soil testing, Erasmus suggests that orchard farmers collect soil samples as frequently as possible, at least once a year.
“The basic idea is that you want your pH and your soil as balanced as possible,” he says. “If you have an acidic soil, some of your cover crops might not even want to grow.”
Ensure that the soil is capable of supporting the growth of the cover crop, adds Erasmus.
Experts dissect the following during the session:
- The phase of expansion;
- The mature stage; and
- Choice of cover crops based on their farm setting.
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