Cultivating healthy soil is necessary for any land’s long-term use and productivity. To thrive, plants require nutrients, which they get from the soil, organic matter, and minerals found in it.
Renette Harmse, technical advisor at AECI Plant Health, shares some important information about the importance of growing healthy plants, the requirements for a balanced nutritional programme, and some practical examples to manage healthy soil.
She explains that a soil analysis is important to determine the status of the soil. It is important to look at the colour and texture.
Digging deeper
“Healthy fertile soil comprises nutritionally balanced soil, good management practices, and a balanced nutritional programme,” she explains.
She further digs deeper into the process of photosynthesis and how it is key to growing healthy crops. “You should contact a qualified agronomist to assist and make customise fertiliser recommendations based on your crop removal rates and soil texture,” she explains.
Harmse takes you on a scientific journey explaining the plant health pyramid concept, which has four levels, exposing the indicators of healthy plants. This episode is not to be missed especially with some practical advice coming your way.
In this episode, Harmse also discusses:
- Management skills required to grow healthy crops;
- Knowing when to add compost; and
- Understanding the different growth stages.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
ALSO READ: Win tickets to the African Agri Investment Indaba
Enjoyed reading? Tell us why with a quick 5-min survey!
Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts.
