Netafim agronomist Richardt Scholtz explains how understanding your soil and using precision drip irrigation can improve water efficiency, boost crop health, and make every drop count.
In Southern Africa, where water scarcity remains a critical challenge, efficient irrigation is a strategic advantage. Richardt Scholtz, agronomist for Netafim Southern and East Africa, shares his insights on the benefits of drip irrigation and the importance of understanding water movement in soil.
He explains that farmers face real constraints when it comes to water. While land may be available, water resources and availability differ widely from farm to farm, making efficient use essential.
By understanding both their soil type and the irrigation system, producers can apply the correct amount of water, prevent unnecessary losses, and ensure no productive land is left underutilised.
Scholtz emphasises that farmers who understand how water moves through soil can greatly improve irrigation efficiency.
“I’ve seen farmers who didn’t understand in the beginning how water moves in the soil, or didn’t understand irrigation scheduling. As soon as they understood the concept, they understood their soils, and it made a big difference. I, and they, see it in their crop,” Scholtz says.
Understanding water and soil
“When farmers understand their soil type and the capabilities of their irrigation system, they can apply water more precisely, prevent unnecessary losses, and avoid leaving productive land under-utilised. When you know what is happening in your soil, you unlock the full potential of your land.”
By assessing soil texture, whether sandy, loamy, or clayey, farmers can adapt irrigation schedules to ensure water reaches the crop roots efficiently without waste. Scholtz notes that sandy soils drain quickly and may require more frequent watering, while clay soils hold water longer and may need less frequent irrigation.
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Avoiding common misconceptions
A frequent mistake is assuming that all fields and crops on a farm require the same irrigation.
“Many farmers assume that all parts of a farm are the same and that every crop requires the same amount of water. Soil types vary across fields, and irrigation needs differ accordingly. Conduct research or dig profile pits to understand what is happening in different areas,” Scholtz advises.
By identifying differences in soil and crop water needs, farmers can avoid over- or under-irrigating, improving both yields and resource-use efficiency.
The precision advantage of drip irrigation
Netafim’s drip irrigation delivers water exactly where it is needed, reducing waste and supporting healthy root growth.
“With drip, you can actually irrigate precisely what the plant needs at that time in its growing phase. Water is delivered slowly at one point, filling the soil profile underneath the dripper, and moves downwards and sideways. You want to reach the feeder roots where water and nutrients are taken up most efficiently,” Scholtz explains.
Scholtz emphasises that soil oxygen is crucial for healthy roots and overall plant growth. Without sufficient oxygen, roots cannot effectively absorb nutrients, so over-irrigating and saturating the soil can lead to wasted fertiliser and reduced crop performance.
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Monitoring and adjusting irrigation
Regular monitoring ensures water reaches the roots without oversaturating the soil.
“If you can open the profile, you can see how wet the soil is at root depth. Simple hand tests can reveal over-irrigation. Auger tests away from the dripper can help determine how far and deep the water is moving in the soil,” Scholtz says.
Farmers can adjust drip flow rates, irrigation hours, and pulse schedules based on these observations, optimising both water and nutrient use.
Combining technology and crop knowledge
Understanding soil alone is not enough; crop growth stages and climate must also be considered.
“Different plants have different water needs at different growth stages. With technology and data, we can calculate, for instance, how much water an avocado tree needs during flowering versus fruiting. You must apply it according to your soil’s capacity to hold water; otherwise, it just drains past the roots,” Scholtz says.
Netafim’s technology allows farmers to integrate soil and crop data, applying water efficiently while supporting plant health.
Real-world success
Scholtz shares an example of a sandy soil orchard where trees were dropping fruit due to over-irrigation. “We changed the irrigation schedule to focus on the 40cm where most feeder roots were. This ensured water and fertiliser were used efficiently, and the trees recovered beautifully.”
This highlights the importance of matching irrigation to root depth and soil type, especially when applying fertilisers through drip systems.
Collaboration between farmers, researchers, and technology providers ensures access to the latest insights and tools.
“Farmers get busy and can’t always keep up with new technology or detailed irrigation science. Partnerships with experts like Netafim give them access to guidance, tools, and data from research and trials to make informed decisions and improve efficiency,” Scholtz says.
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