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in Farmer's Inside Track

Podcast: Follow these guidelines for efficient orchard irrigation

One of the key components for farmers is irrigation and in this edition of Farmer's Inside Track, agronomist Jovan Erasmus sheds light on distinctions between orchard and open-field irrigation, and other crucial factors

by Vateka Halile
21st October 2022
Jovan Erasmus Netafim agronomist for the North and Central Regions joins us to talk about how farmers can plan scheduling in orchard irrigation. Photo: Supplied/FoodForMzansi

Jovan Erasmus, Netafim agronomist for the north and central regions, joins us to talk about how farmers can plan scheduling in orchard irrigation. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

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Irrigating with efficiency and precision has been the mantra of the team of experts at Netafim over the past few weeks. Jovan Erasmus, Netafim’s agronomist for the north and central regions, is back on this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, and this time he focuses on how to plan scheduling in orchard irrigation.

In the episode, Erasmus explains that orchards often have deeper root zones than open-field crops, which is one of the primary distinctions between orchard and open-field irrigation.

Which is why starting an irrigation system is very crucial while caring for an orchard.

According to Erasmus, the first few years of orchard irrigation require observation. Therefore, if a farmer neglects the first few years of a crop’s life, this may have an effect on its long-term productivity.

“There are also several other things that affects your long-term productivity of your investment. Things like climate, region, management, pests and diseases, fertilisers, markets, laborers, just to name a few,” he says.

Farming, he explains, can be a very fruitful investment and can look very lucrative when doing the sums.

“But farming is not easy. And as many aspects that are affected, making sure you plan properly is the most important thing before spending any money on that investment. Again, if you fail to plan you plan to fail.”

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 listen on any Apple device.

Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

ALSO READ: Irrigation 101: How orchards differ from field crops

ALSO READ: Chicken farm guide: Preparing the poultry house

Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts. 

Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile grew up in rural areas of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. She was raised in a traditional family setting and found writing to be a source of comfort and escape. Vateka participated in an online citizen journalism course through Food For Mzansi, and her passion for health and medicine-related stories was born. Her dedication to community work and love for social justice and solidarity spaces is evident in her quality time with the community when she isn't working.

Tags: Precision irrigation
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