Anyone who studied chemistry in high school would be aware that the discipline has two main branches. One deals with compounds of metals such as copper, zinc and lead or non-metals like phosphorous and sulphur and is known as inorganic chemistry. The other branch deals exclusively with carbon compounds – the fundamental building blocks of all life on earth and essential to animal and plant nutrition. Recently, the drive to promote more sustainable farming practices has highlighted the benefits of organic fertilizer as an alternative to synthesised inorganic products.
After the carbon dioxide and water required for photosynthesis, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are the three most essential plant nutrients. Once, these would have been derived from natural sources such as animal manure and rotting vegetation. However, as the demand for food crops increased, it became necessary to resort to manufactured alternatives. Unfortunately, synthesising suitable nitrogen compounds creates high levels of pollutants. Current concerns about atmospheric pollution and climate change have spurred conservationists to encourage farmers to resume using natural, carbon-based organic fertilizer wherever possible.
Creating a compost heap has long been a practical and economical option for the home gardener or the owner of a smallholding. Food waste, seaweed, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fish and bone meal are all rich in various plant nutrients and can be included in the heap. Unfortunately, this option would no longer be sufficient to meet more than a fraction of the nutritional requirements of today’s average commercial crop. So how can the owners of large farms hope to leverage the environmental benefits of organic fertilizer?
Despite the many virtues of natural compost, it also has a couple of drawbacks. Although rich in plant nutrients, precisely which of these essential substances may be present and in what concentration remains unknown. It might lack a vital mineral or contain an excess of nitrogen compounds that could prove harmful to some plant species.
By processing natural, carbon-based materials rather than synthesising compounds, manufacturers can provide the hoped-for greener option. Furthermore, it becomes possible to control the composition of organic fertilizer and adjust it to meet the demands of individual species at various stages in their growth cycle. The manufactured products are offered in either granular or liquid form, which means it is much easier to apply them evenly than unprocessed compost.
Kynoch has been developing new and improved products to maximise crop yield and health for more than a century. Today, the company is continuing that tradition with its range of world-class organic fertilizers.
Kynoch’s business operation during the national lockdown.
Dear Valued Customers, Suppliers and Stakeholders
Thank you for your patience during this very challenging situation. Arising from the COVID-19 announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa ordering a national lockdown, we can assure you it will be, as far as possible, business as usual. During the lockdown our focus is on the safety and the well-being of our employees who are at the forefront to support you and your business. We are equally concerned about the safety and continued service to our customers. Therefore, all personnel will be available via email and / or cell phone during this period. We understand you are doing your best to keep food on the tables of South Africans during this time, it is therefore of paramount importance that we join hands with you in continuing to keep the food production supply chain operational.
Our aim is to minimize service disruptions offering the level of quality, responsiveness and support that you have come to expect from Kynoch.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyal and ongoing support during these trying times.
Key Contact List during the lockdown period:
Area Marketing Managers
Creditors
Jurgen Smith | jurgen.smith@kynoch.co.za | +27 (0) 83 461 2422
Debtors
Eben Steyn | eben.steyn@kynoch.co.za | +27 (0) 60 972 9987
Head of Finance
Theloshen Moodley | theloshen.moodley@kynoch.co.za | +27 (0) 82 598 2138